Being a student at Rice is incredible but it does come with its share of challenges, especially when balancing academics, social life and extracurriculars. As a neuroscience major, a teaching assistant, a researcher and an active member of campus organizations like SAS, my schedule is packed. Over time, however, I’ve developed strategies to help me find balance. Managing everything isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about making intentional choices, staying flexible and learning from mistakes.

One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned is the power of prioritization. Here’s what I ask myself: What’s urgent? What’s important but not immediately pressing? What can wait? This mindset prevents me from getting overwhelmed and ensures that the most critical tasks — like exam studying or major project deadlines — get tackled first. I rely heavily on using a Google calendar to structure my time and color-coding different aspects of my life helps me visualize my schedule. Time-blocking lets me allocate dedicated slots for classes, study sessions, research and meetings without overbooking myself.

Though the rigorous academics at Rice can be strenuous at times, I’ve learned that success isn’t about the sheer number of hours spent studying… It's about efficiency and strategy. One of the biggest game-changers for me has been understanding how I learn best. Instead of passively reading notes or rewatching lectures, I actively engage with the material by summarizing concepts in my own words, drawing diagrams or using whiteboards to map out complex ideas. I also make studying a social activity whenever possible — discussing topics with friends or walking someone through a tough concept helps reinforce my own understanding. Additionally, I’ve realized that seeking help early on can make a huge difference. Attending office hours and TA sessions not only clarifies difficult topics, but also helps me study more strategically.

My college experience would be incomplete without time spent with friends and involvement in extracurriculars. The key is to integrate social life into my existing schedule. Instead of eating alone, I make a point to grab meals with friends. I study at Fondy or Brochstein with others and attend club meetings and events to unwind, stay engaged with the community, and feel connected. I also make self-care non-negotiable. It’s easy to neglect sleep, exercise or relaxation when juggling responsibilities, but burnout won’t help anyone. I get plenty of sleep, keep myself active by playing soccer, and remind myself that it’s okay to take breaks. Some days are overwhelming and on those days, I give myself grace rather than pushing through exhaustion.

I also love to go out with friends and enjoy Houston! One of my favorite memories in Houston was when it snowed, and I went to Hermann Park to take it all in. Seeing the park covered in snow was surreal, and it was a rare moment that made Houston feel completely different from its usual warm weather. Moments like these remind me that sometimes, the best way to balance a busy schedule is to step away from it all and just enjoy the city around me.

At the end of the day, balance is about adaptability. Some weeks, academics take priority; other times, social life or extracurriculars demand more attention. By staying flexible, prioritizing effectively, and making time for the things that energize me, I’ve found a rhythm that works. Rice is challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it’s also an incredible place to grow, explore and thrive

-Abhishek, Brown ‘27  (Published on 05/13/2025)