(Photo Credit: NWI Times)
Managing classes, exams and special projects makes it difficult to find any “me” time, and according to a recent survey conducted by Citi Group and Seventeen Magazine, almost four out of five college students work while attending school, making personal time just about impossible. Save time and money by taking advantage of the following four resources—you don’t have to go off-campus for these services, and they’ll help you get it all done with some down time to spare.
Wellness Around the Clock
Studying for finals might seem more important than tending to a cold, but sometimes you need to receive input from a medical professional. If you get sick but aren’t sure if you should take time off from classes to see a doctor, schedule a consultation with an online healthcare provider at MeMD. You’ll get high-quality, affordable healthcare from a board-certified doctor right from your mobile device.
A Workout You Can Do Anywhere (and It’s Free)
College involves a significant amount of time sitting: you sit through lectures, sit to study and sit to type papers. If you don’t have the funds to join a gym or the time to spend working out at one, download the free Tabata Timer app. In Tabata training, you do 20 seconds of high-intensity exercise followed by a 10-second break for four-minute increments. The routine, commonly referred to as high-intensity interval training, offers optimal results when performed three to four times throughout the day or over the course of 20 minutes, according to the American Council on Exercise. You can easily set the timer from anywhere, bust out the moves and be back to studying in less than 10 minutes.
Join a CSA
If money is tight, you probably already do your own grocery shopping instead of eating out. Join a Community-supported Agriculture (CSA) to save even more on food. In this system, consumers buy seasonal, locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and often meat and fish directly from a farmer. Boxes are delivered on a bi-weekly basis, and many CSAs deliver right to college campuses. Not only does this type of service support a well-rounded diet with just-picked produce, it conserves time and money; no driving to the store every week. Split a box with your roommates or neighbors to save even more.
Tell Your Family What You Need
If your grandmother and aunt send you random assortments of cakes and knitted sweaters, tell them what you really need the next time they ask. Supplies such as reusable water bottles, lotion, shampoo, snacks and other personal care items add up. A subscription care-package service such as PijonBox is a cool way for your family to help you get the supplies you need sent right to your door every month.
Antonio Maurice Daniels
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Revolutionary Paideia 