How Can I Have The "College Experience" While Attending Nursing School?

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 15, 2016

A lot of people do it all the time. They attend major universities, live in the dorms, join sororities, the whole works. They simply budget their time appropriately. They pick and choose which activities are most important to them -- and don't waste time on things that don't mean as much. They cut back on the wild partying to keep their heads clear so that they don't waste time being drunk, high, or hung-over. But they participate on sports teams, musical organizations, clubs, etc. on a regular basis.

First of all, attend a school that has the types of activities that you want available. Second, live on campus or very close so that you don't have to invest time commuting. Third, develop efficient study habits so that you don't waste a lot of time studying inefficiently: learn to prioritize and focus your study activities to those that are most important. Fourth, talk to upperclassmen at that school and find out how they do it.

Good luck. A lot of students do this every day. You can too.

SunshineeStudent · Sep 15, 2016

Thank you! I am considering moving in our campus apartments.â˜ºï¸â˜ºï¸â˜ºï¸

A lot of people do it all the time. They attend major universities, live in the dorms, join sororities, the whole works. They simply budget their time appropriately. They pick and choose which activities are most important to them -- and don't waste time on things that don't mean as much. They cut back on the wild partying to keep their heads clear so that they don't waste time being drunk, high, or hung-over. But they participate on sports teams, musical organizations, clubs, etc. on a regular basis.
First of all, attend a school that has the types of activities that you want available. Second, live on campus or very close so that you don't have to invest time commuting. Third, develop efficient study habits so that you don't waste a lot of time studying inefficiently: learn to prioritize and focus your study activities to those that are most important. Fourth, talk to upperclassmen at that school and find out how they do it.
Good luck. A lot of students do this every day. You can too.

caliotter3 · Sep 15, 2016

Be very careful about moving into campus housing. I had no choice in room mates when I lived on campus and they did not hold the same ideas about quiet time and studying that I did. It made for a very uncomfortable time for me.

cherryelle07 · Sep 15, 2016

Also talk to your friends and explain to them that sometimes you'll have to say no or cancel. Nursing school is a busy time and while it can be done to experience the college experience it's nice to have friends who are supportive and understand that some nights you will have to stay in and study. Get a notebook planner. Write down important dates including academic ones. Sometimes it helps to lay it all out on paper. It gives you a better idea of what kind of free time you have to work with.

SunshineeStudent · Sep 15, 2016

This is a HUGE thing that I have been thinking about but my university actually does something called "roommate matching" where if anyone who is in your major or close(like allied health) you will be matched with them. Thanks :) â˜ºï¸

Be very careful about moving into campus housing. I had no choice in room mates when I lived on campus and they did not hold the same ideas about quiet time and studying that I did. It made for a very uncomfortable time for me.

SunshineeStudent · Sep 15, 2016

Thanks :) â˜ºï¸But I'm an introvert with really no friends at all. Especially in the city where my school is. That's why I'm so glad or school has the roommate matching thing. Right now it's an hour commute there and an hour from there and it gets tiring.

Also talk to your friends and explain to them that sometimes you'll have to say no or cancel. Nursing school is a busy time and while it can be done to experience the college experience it's nice to have friends who are supportive and understand that some nights you will have to stay in and study. Get a notebook planner. Write down important dates including academic ones. Sometimes it helps to lay it all out on paper. It gives you a better idea of what kind of free time you have to work with.

cherryelle07 · Sep 15, 2016

Thanks :) â˜ºï¸But I'm an introvert with really no friends at all. Especially in the city where my school is. That's why I'm so glad or school has the roommate matching thing. Right now it's an hour commute there and an hour from there and it gets tiring.

But you will make friends once you start doing different activities. It's important that you create supportive and understanding relationships. Last thing you need is friends who don't quite understand your commitments for your degree or don't support you when you say you need to study. You will encounter those people. Some people are all play and blow of school work. You want the kind of friends who can balance both and understand when things get a bit hectic and busy for you. The kind of friends you make in school can make or break your experience.

Sour Lemon · Sep 15, 2016

I start clinicals in Jan. and I will also finish all pre and co requisites this fall but I still want to attend college meetings, go to games, and sign up for different organizations. How can I make this possible while going through the rigors of nursing school? Also I'm 21, if that means anything.

Off topic ....but I think you and this guy should get married unless you're actually the same person??

https://allnurses.com/member-1069413/

SunshineeStudent · Sep 15, 2016

Off topic ....but I think you and this guy should get married unless you're actually the same person??
https://allnurses.com/member-1069413/

Excuse me? Please stay on topic. I only have one account here.

SunshineeStudent · Sep 15, 2016

Thank you! I am hoping I make some friends like this.

But you will make friends once you start doing different activities. It's important that you create supportive and understanding relationships. Last thing you need is friends who don't quite understand your commitments for your degree or don't support you when you say you need to study. You will encounter those people. Some people are all play and blow of school work. You want the kind of friends who can balance both and understand when things get a bit hectic and busy for you. The kind of friends you make in school can make or break your experience.

JerseyTomatoMDCrab, BSN · Sep 16, 2016

I went to a 4 year university for my BSN. I graduated on time (with honors!) while attending class and clinicals. I also:

Played rugby.

Joined the student nursing association.

Lived in the dorms.

Hated my roommates.

Loved my roommates.

Made some of the best friends I could have asked for.

Went to happy hour.

Went to frat parties.

Binge watched "Jersey Shore" with my classmates.

Went on dates.

Had a work study job.

Learned how important it is to be organized and budget your time.

Every one of my classmates had a life outside of nursing class and clinical rotations. You just have to manage your time appropriately. I loved going away to school. I don't think it's something you HAVE to do but it was certainly a fun (and overpriced) experience for me!