More young adults of this generation are continuing their education in colleges for Masters and PhDs. Nearly 90% of all students proceed to colleges and universities. They are forced to navigate this new, tough endeavor, balancing social life and academic life.

There are so many areas that need keen attention and one is resources. Leaving home and starting a new life in a new environment and expected to balance everything from relationships, academics acclimatizing, finances and friendships should at least come with a basic manual.

1FINANCES

Money plays a big part in your student life. It defines your level of convenience and comfort. This is now your responsibility and you have to budget for everything wisely. Whether your parents are supporting you or you have a side hustle or both, it's now in your hands and your decision entirely how you will spend it. Remember a good budget has needs first before wants. Below are a few tips to manage your finances.

1. Set a budget

Your budget should be pragmatic to your source of income and you should stick to it. The money coming in from parents' jobs or savings should be more than money going out. Remember more people get into financial trouble because they spend way more than they make.

2. Get a job

Most students in college work during holidays, part-time, etc to contribute to their source of income. Jobs also equip students with skills that come in handy later in their resumes.

3. Avoid debts

To avoid debts, ensure you spend less than you make. Check your lifestyle and expenditures. Cut on those other wants that you do not need. There are a lot of loans for students that have to be paid later. Managing its usage is paramount.

4. Take responsibility

This includes being smart with your resources. There is no need to buy new books for example if you can borrow them from the library or buy used ones. Be liable for your spending. Ratchet down your refined tastes ie fine furniture and utensils and go for simpler and affordable ones.

2TIME

There is so much to do and so little time. Became a skilled time manager and incorporate all your responsibilities like;

Cleaning. Your room or apartment should be tidy at all times. It's a basic necessity. Arrange your things in order neatly, no one is there to do it for you and you have to take responsibility.

Studying, after all, you come all this way to study. Allocate enough time and space in your room to study. You can set up a few hours daily for revision, especially during exam periods. Create a study routine and schedule to accommodate all your study areas. You can even make a study group and have discussions.

Friends. They are important but you need to put boundaries and avoid spending all your time and resources having fun and hanging out with them. Let them know and respect your study time or personal time.

Organization. Make plans, and schedule all you need to do within your time frame. Organizing helps you do all you need to do on time. Assignments, studying, consultation, etc. Ensure you're always ahead of your time carve.

Don't multitask. Research shows that it's physically impossible to multitask. Time spent shifting from one focus to another is time wasted. Most of the time, you end up leaning more on one task and or losing both. Concentrate on one thing at a time. You cannot carry your book to a party.

Time management skills have a direct impact on education. Effective time management means greater academic performance, healthy mind and body confidence, and organization.

3RELATIONSHIPS

Positive student relationships are fundamental to student success all around. When students feel endorsed, they are more feasible to flourish in their lives.

Relationship with their parents Students although far from home, more than ever need support from their families. Emotional, physical, mental, and financial support goes a long way toward successful student life. It provides a strong footing, a sense of belonging, and assurance.

Relationship with their professors Positive rapport with educators and students fosters positive social interaction and inaugurates a nurturing of trust and support. Students need professors to educate them through lectures and consultation which improves their academic progress and makes their school life productive.

Relationship with their peers This is a crucial form of connection with friends. These friendships are often lifelong connections. Peers share personal objects, advice, fun activities, fears, and all relevant information amongst themselves. They provide a sense of belonging and backing they need from each other.

Romantic relationships This is inevitable and it comes with a lot of heartbreaks, and mental torment but also a lot of good memories and moments. For most, it might be a new experience and can come with a lot of unknowns.

Dealing with romantic relationships while managing academics and other issues is tricky. You will probably end up getting in and out of many of these relationships but the bottom line is to love yourself first and not change for anyone.

4ACADEMICS

This is the whole reason we went to college in the first place. It's a key feature in education and its success is paramount. Students are expected to navigate academic life and social life and come out successful. For that to be realized, students should work on these areas to perform well in academics.

Examinations Manage preparedness, especially during exam periods. This facet of academic life can be easily handled through a well-prepared approach. Do not be caught up with time, attend your lectures and study, confer with your professors and you will perform well in your exams.

Deadline Do not let it be a habit to hand in your papers and projects late. Plan yourself ahead of time and do a good job. Schedule your activities. This will ensure enough time is allocated for all assignments.

Studying Lack of concentration and focus while studying is a common problem among students. To cater to this, ensure have enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise, and set up a facilitative atmosphere for studying away from background noise.

External factors This is varied. From relationships, finances, friendships, etc. Managing external factors eases your mind and provides a conducive mental environment to study.

Poor academic performances At some point, most students find themselves performing poorly and might be lost on what to do. Consult your professors, spend time in the library studying, do your assignments, and attend lectures; you can even form study groups. etc this will help you improve your academic performance.

Mental health and overall health More students are too engrossed in other demands from school fees to friends that they forget about themselves and their health. From working two jobs, volunteering, academic workload, and relationships. It's too much and both your mental and physical health suffer.

Lack of sleep and poor eating habits, no exercising, and overworking are the leading causes of mental issues like depression, anxiety, and panic attacks among students. Ask for help, there are a lot of financial aid, Psychologists at your school, or local governments offering help to students. Look after yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep for optimal Health. Other factors like toxic relationships for example friends without boundaries, should be shed off for your good.

Research has shown that excess stress caused by academic balance can result in an increased preponderance of psychological and physical problems like anxiety, depression, weight loss or gain, headaches, and trouble focusing.

On your chase for good performance and a healthy university environment, do not forget to engage in extracurricular activities and live your life a little. It's ok to spend time with friends and get your heart broken. Devote some of your time to doing fun things. The important factor is to prioritize and balance it all well.

No one can be prepared or prepare others for campus life. It's a path you must throttle alone. It's varied across different people, locations, and other factors. What is guaranteed, is an experience you will not forget. The setbacks and experiences will you will encounter will teach you the ways of life. Learn to recover from them and move on with life.