In high school, I was involved in almost anything I could do.

It didn’t matter what for — some I loved doing, some were resume builders, others were for purely social reasons.

Point is, I was able to handle it all with out getting burnt out. In between basketball practice, ballet class and 4-H meetings was always time to dabble in the time-consuming mess of AOL Instant Messenger, go to too many parties or catch up on “Freaks and Geeks” reruns.

So when I came to college, I was more surprised than anyone at the speed of my day. By 8 p.m., I would finally made the trek back to my dorm. Exhausted, I couldn’t tell you what I had done with the past 12 hours of my life.

Two years later, I’m still active beyond belief, but I have found the answer to not becoming overwhelmed.

It’s something you’ve heard your whole life: Time management.

If you apply that theory to every day of your college career, you will survive. In light of the changes ahead of you, here are a few things that have helped me and several of my friends through the insane busyness that is college.

• Make lists

I keep a book made specifically for to-do lists. I have a day-planner, but I find there’s not enough room for all the specific things I have to do during the day. It may seem anal retentive, but as things add up, it’s good to have one place to write the list down. It’s also encouraging when you can cross even the smallest things off your to-do list.

• Be selective

The student groups on campus are as diverse as your interests. It’s easy to look at them and want to do them all. Trust me, it won’t be possible. Take part in something your heart is into, it doesn’t matter what it is, just make sure you enjoy it. Otherwise, it will become a headache rather than an activity.

• Take advantage of breaks

Riding the bus to class? Read that chapter you have a quiz on the next day. Twenty minutes before your next class? Meet your friends at the Hub for a coffee break.

• Have a set sleep pattern

Sleep is one of the most desired prizes of college. After the classes, parties, exams, meetings — you’re going to be beat. Try to have a set time to go to bed and wake up every day. Although, this is easier said than done. I got four hours of sleep last night.

• Have fun.

While college shouldn’t always be like Animal House, but don’t take yourself too seriously — you are in college after all.

Jackie Mantey is a junior magazine journalism major and editor of the Summer Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected].