I can’t believe that summer has come to an end so soon! I just finished moving back into college for the upcoming fall semester and it’s been an interesting experience. Soon I’ll have to get back on a (somewhat) regular schedule that doesn’t include staying up to 4 AM questing up my pirate and/or wizard. Having successfully navigated my freshmen year of college while still maintaining a decent amount of gaming time, I thought I’d share some tips for other gamers who are also approaching the start of their school year.
- If you can, make a schedule that fits your lifestyle. Grade School and High School don’t have as much flexibility with this, but in college it’s a necessity. I personally like to take early classes so I’m done with them by 1 PM, or even better – noon. That way I can spend the rest of my day however I like (whether that’s going out with friends, studying, or gaming) and don’t have to worry about interruptions later.
- Don’t isolate yourself. Being a gamer, it’s easy to just get lost in a virtual world. Remember to take breaks and interact with the real world.
- Try surrounding yourself with other gamers. Your school experience will be much more enjoyable if you choose the right people to hang out with. The best way to do that is to seek out people with similar interests. There are plenty of videogame and eSports clubs out there that can help you share your passion with others.
- Let your creative juices fly. Some school assignments are very flexible and may allow you to connect to Wizard101, Pirate101, or gaming in general. Essays, worksheets, and projects will feel less like “work” if they’re about something you’re interested in.
- Be sensible and don’t lose focus. It’s easy to get distracted and sidetracked (it happens to me all the time!), but don’t let that become a habit. Habits are hard to break! If you have a test or a big project due, it’s probably best to study or work on it instead of farming Morganthe or defeating Kane (however fun both of those are). Remember that you’re working towards your future and that should always be your first priority.
I know some of these things may seem like common sense, but I think a reminder is always useful. After all, sometimes even I find it hard to take my own advice. ;)
How do you balance school and gaming? Let me know in the comments!