One of the biggest shocks in college is how quickly your day can get away from you. With no bell schedule or homeroom teacher, it’s easy to let time slip by. That’s why building helpful habits before you leave home is one of the smartest things you can do.
Think of habits as the “autopilot” of your life. Once something becomes a habit, you don’t have to use as much energy to make it happen. That’s why starting now—while you still have structure and support—is a huge advantage.
Let’s talk about a few small but powerful routines to begin practicing:
1. Start a Morning Routine: You don’t have to be a 5 a.m. gym person, but try waking up at a consistent time and building a rhythm around it. Maybe you stretch, read something encouraging, eat breakfast, or pray. Even 15 minutes of routine can ground your day.
2. Use a Planner or Notes App: Get into the habit of writing things down. Whether it’s homework, appointments, or ideas, practicing this now will make managing your college schedule less stressful later.
3. Create a Bedtime Wind-Down: Sleep is a secret weapon in college, and your brain needs rest to function. Start unplugging from your phone 30 minutes before bed and develop a nighttime routine that helps you relax and recharge.
4. Reflect and Reset: Once a week, take 10 minutes to review how things went. Did you stay on track with your goals? What’s working? What needs adjusting? This habit of reflection builds self-awareness and helps you stay focused.
5. Practice Saying No: Yes, this is a habit! In high school, your schedule might be packed with activities you didn’t even choose. College brings freedom—but also distraction. Get in the habit of choosing what’s best for your time and energy.
You don’t need a perfect system. The goal is progress, not perfection. Pick one habit and practice it for a week. Then try adding another. You’ll be surprised how much easier college feels when you already have rhythms in place.
The routines you build now will serve you later—and help you become the kind of person who shows up well, even when life gets busy.
