College life and all the perks that come with it should be taken in moderation. Many students aren’t sure how to handle the freedom of college life. Many of them don’t have a curfew anymore and it’s so easy for them to stay up late and go to every party they hear about. Most dorms have resident assistants and they try to keep track of everyone and their activities, but they also have lives of their own to live.

The number one goal for college students while in school should be to focus on their education, but even school makes it hard for them to do that sometimes. There are many groups and clubs that students can join. These clubs also have their own meetings and activities. Even teachers and instructors encourage students to join clubs and spend time in extracurricular activities. For some students, these activities are too much of a distraction and they live college life without getting a college education. Students require social interaction, but it’s all too easy to get caught up in what’s going on on campus instead of in their courses.

College offers a completely different routine for many students. For many students, living with a roommate in a dorm is the biggest change of all. Kids fight their parents their whole lives to have their own bedroom just so they can have their own personal space, then next thing you know you have to share that space with a roommate when you move to college. The biggest change of all for some students is having to manage their own time. They are used to being told when and what to do. In college, there is none of this. You set your bedtime, you get up in the morning, and you set your class schedule. Students should be aware of this when they are choosing classes and class times. “Procrastination is the thief of time” and many students fall subject to this. Students should start by developing a schedule and stick to it.

Drinking and partying is another topic that must be considered here. These are perhaps the number one activities students should do in moderation. College parties are open to anyone. There are many students who are minors, but have friends who are not. Underage drinking is a big problem and should be taken very seriously. If college students do not learn moderation in the enjoyment of alcoholic beverages and parties, they will see an abrupt change in their education. There’s nothing wrong with having a few drinks, when you’re of legal age, and spending time with friends, just don’t do it when you have a midterm the next day.

Spending money that students don’t have is another important issue. Many parents will get their student credit cards when they move out of the house. This only makes it more difficult for students to manage their money. Sure, they may need it for emergencies, but it will be very tempting to use it. If they don’t have the cash to spend, they will be tempted to cash it out. There are plenty of students living in college with heavy credit card debt, not to mention student loan debt.

Borrowing more student loan money than necessary is another mistake many college students make. Students should not borrow money or take out loans just because they qualify. Get everything you need to pay for tuition and books. If you only need $2,000, don’t take out $5,000. You’ll just end up spending that $3,000 on frivolous and unnecessary purchases.

Students should also consider their eating habits while in college. Eating at the cafeteria may not be the best meal in town, but at least it will be the healthiest. Many college freshmen hang out in the “freshman 15” during their first year of college. These students are often guilty of too much junk food and not enough real food. Build exercise into your daily schedule and you won’t have to worry about gaining a lot of weight while you’re in college.

Taking everything in moderation, from partying and drinking to spending money, will ensure that your college years are successful and as stress-free as can be. Get together with your friends and talk about what you can do to save money together, but still have an active social life.