I’m currently in my second year at college, pursuing a degree in Social Work, and eventually hope to get my Masters, too. I’m also a year and a half deep into a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Learning to manage the many hats that come along with those two titles has been a real struggle for me. I don’t know anyone it wouldn’t be a struggle for, and if you do, please send them my way. I have many questions. I need lots of advice.

Because I haven’t met them yet, and I was given no handbook on the matter, I began my search early when I knew I was returning to school. Before this semester started, I posted about getting Prepped for the Semester Ahead.

Since getting into my groove this time around, I’ve learned a lot. Not just in my classes, but about how to be successful in college in general. It’s not just paying attention in class, to my great surprise.

Actually, most of what I’ve found is really helpful is done outside of the classroom.

Speaking of what I’ve learned, let’s jump right into it!

Ease Into Your Routine

When you’re getting ready to jump in, hold back a little. Easing into a routine is going to have much better results.

When you jump wholeheartedly into something, it may feel okay for awhile, but it’s less likely to work out in the long term. If you want to make sure you get to class on time all semester, start waking up a little earlier each day, rather than completely reversing your schedule the day classes start.

This also goes for once classes start. It can be tempting to jump in and join every group and club that catches your interest. Take some time before joining. I waited until this year to join anything so I had some time to just get used to being a student again.

Use Your Time Wisely

As I mentioned above, being in college adds massively to the amount of hats we wear. It’s also given me better ideas on how to manage my time effectively, which in turn leaves me more spoons.

I use a planner, which I’ve talked about a lot before. This semester, I also started utilizing a new mechanisms; the pomodoro technique.

The pomodoro technique is really simple; you spend 25 minutes focused on a particular task, followed by a short break, like 5-10 minutes. For every four pomodoros, you take a longer break for 20 to 30 minutes. I’ve been using this when I’ve got big chunks of studying to get done, and it’s working out so far!

Keep Up With Your Self Care

This is going to be one of the busiest times of your life. There won’t be much free time between classes, homework, studying, possibly a part time job, maybe a sport, clubs, volunteering, and keeping up with a normal social/family life. That may not even complete your list of to-dos. One thing you can’t neglect is your self care, though.

It’s the easiest to put on the back burner; who’s got time for a face mask or long walk when a paper is due? When I’m in the middle of studying, the last thing I want to do is break long enough to make a salad or protein shake.

Important thing here is that I do break, though, and often. At home, I take breaks to stretch, to eat, and just relax. I use all my pomodoro breaks up. When I’m at school all day in class or at work, I utilize those breaks wisely, too.

I’ll stretch and do yoga in between my classes. I also make sure I snack throughout the day to keep my energy up.

I’m pretty busy all week long, so I dedicate some time on the weekends to being with my family and friends. I put all electronics away, and just enjoy time with them.

I also dedicate time to myself once a week. Whether it’s a manicure, soaking in the tub, or trimming my hair, I make sure I make myself a priority.

Mental Health IS Self Care

If you’re read Stumble Pup before, you’re probably tired of hearing how important I think mental health wellness and awareness is. Since I’m getting a degree because I want to be a therapist, I won’t stop talking about it anytime soon.

I’ve been seeing a counselor regularly since my diagnosis. After some crazy stuff happened this summer which kind of reactivated some childhood trauma, I also start attending a group therapy group. It’s very DBT and mindfulness based, and has been great so far.

My husband and I are starting couples counseling soon, too. I can’t wait. I think the only couple that doesn’t need counseling is one already divorced, and the couple who doesn’t think they need it probably does more than most. I’m grateful my husband is so dedicated to making our relationship the best it can be.

A lot of universities off mental health care for free or at a discounted rate. I can’t stress enough how important counseling has been to my recovery, in all aspects of my life.

Keep Up With Your Nutrition and Exercise, Too

College is the last time you want to neglect your physical health. I know, I know – on top of everything else on your plate, now you have to add more time for you? Yeah, you really need to.

I’ve mentioned many times before, but it bears repeating – physical activity is one of the best ways to feel better. How active you are during your early life can usually* predict how you’ll age. For some of us, it’ll predict how our disease progresses. The important thing when your a student is to do it when you can – whether that’s squeezing it in before, between or after classes.

Doing what you want to do is important, too. Don’t neglect variety, but throw in something fun every week. You’ll be more likely to stick with it.

Long story short, taking care of yourself can be a lot. As a student with a chronic illness, we don’t get much of a break. However, with some planning and will power, we can get the degree we want.

If you have any great tips, please leave them below! I’ll need all of them the next few years.