Being an international student is no small feat. You left your family and friends behind to pursue a dream in a new country. It’s an exciting adventure, but it can also be overwhelming. With class schedules, part-time jobs, and trying to adapt to an entirely new culture, it’s easy to lose balance.
With the right strategies and mindset, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance while going to school. Here are some tips to thrive as an international student.
1. Master Time Management
Time is your most valuable asset. Between lectures, assignments, exams, work shifts, and personal time, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. However, effective time management can help you accomplish every task.
Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Start by mapping out each week. Include everything: class schedules, work shifts, study blocks, social activities, and self-care time. Tools like Google Calendar or apps such as Notion can be beneficial for organizing your schedule.
Establish Priorities
Ask yourself, “What absolutely needs to get done today?” Use the Eisenhower Matrix to help you decide what’s urgent and important versus what can wait. For example, submitting a research paper due tomorrow? That’s urgent. Watching a series on Netflix? Probably not.
Avoid Procrastination
It’s tempting to scroll through social media or binge-watch shows instead of tackling tasks, but procrastination only adds stress.
Break your work into manageable chunks using tools like the Pomodoro Technique—try working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. By managing your time wisely, you’ll create space for other important aspects of your life without feeling constantly overwhelmed.
2. Set Clear Goals
Many international students face a juggling act between their studies, work commitments, and social life. Trying to excel in every area can make you spread yourself too thin.
Identify your priorities. For some students, securing high grades to qualify for scholarships may take precedence. For others, work might be essential to cover tuition or living expenses.
Once you establish which aspect of your life is the most important, align your schedule around those objectives. Rejecting less important activities or commitments becomes easier when you’re clear about your goals.
For instance, if you’re working part-time but find it negatively affecting your studies, explore alternative job options. Many institutions have on-campus employment opportunities designed for students. These roles offer more flexibility, so you can balance multiple responsibilities.
3. Use Campus Resources
Your educational institution is more than just a place to attend classes; it’s a community with resources to help you succeed. Many students don’t realize the wealth of support available from their educational institutions. Here are a few resources that can offer you support.
Academic Support
Most universities have resources like writing centers, tutoring services, and workshops. For example, if you’re struggling with an English essay, a writing center can help you refine your skills.
Some schools, like Computer Systems Institute, will have an international student admissions office too. You can visit for guidance on the unique challenges that come with studying abroad.
Career Centers
Career centers host résumé workshops, interview prep sessions, and job fairs. If balancing work and study is challenging, the career center can help you find campus jobs or future roles that will make you feel better about your life path.
Counseling Services
Moving to a new country can come with its share of stress and homesickness. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a counselor if you feel overwhelmed. Most schools offer free or low-cost therapy to students. Taking advantage of these resources can reduce stress, improve your mental health, and help you manage your responsibilities.
4. Cultivate Social Connections
Moving abroad frequently introduces feelings of homesickness or loneliness. Building friendships can relieve this stress and make your experience more enriching. Join campus clubs or student organizations, especially those connected to international students, as they can provide a sense of belonging. Attending social events, whether they’re cultural festivals or casual coffee meetups, offers a chance to unwind and form meaningful bonds.
5. Make Self-Care a Priority
You can’t pour from an empty cup; that’s precisely why self-care is important. Here are some self-care tips to implement into your routine.
Focus on Sleep
Pulling all-nighters to finish assignments might feel productive, but it can backfire. Being sleep-deprived affects your ability to focus, process information, and stay energized. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Stay Active
Exercise is a great stress reliever. Whether it’s a walk around campus, a yoga session, or joining a local sports team, find activities that help you stay physically active.
Eat Well
It’s tempting to live off instant noodles or grab fast food on busy days. But proper nutrition keeps your body and mind functioning at their best. Try to cook in batches (a slow Sunday afternoon is perfect for this) so you’ll always have healthy meals ready when you’re busy.
6. Adapt to Cultural Changes
Adapting to a new culture can be as exciting as it is challenging. From learning local customs to understanding new academic expectations, there can be a lot to absorb. Stay open to these experiences, as they allow for personal growth.
At the same time, connect with aspects of your own culture that bring you comfort. This could be cooking a traditional dish or celebrating a holiday. Give yourself time to adjust. Remember it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions during this process.
7. Seek Help When Needed
One of the biggest hurdles international students face is the hesitation to seek help. You might feel like you need to “figure it out on your own,” but the truth is, every student has their moments of struggle.
Don’t isolate yourself in times of stress. Whether it’s reaching out to a professor, a friend, or a school counselor, leaning on others can provide clarity and relief. It might help to talk to a senior student or someone who has been on campus for some time to help guide you through the challenges of higher education.
Maintaining a work-life balance while going to school as an international student may seem almost impossible at first. However, with thoughtful strategies and support systems, you can thrive academically and personally. Progress comes with trial and error, and every step you take is part of your growth.
