Balance Your Social Life & Studies
Living in LA means being surrounded by non-stop excitement, concerts, food festivals, beach days, and so much more!
It’s easy to get swept up in all the fun, but don’t forget why you’re here: your education.
Finding the right balance between hitting the books and living your best life can be tricky, but we’ve got some tips to help you stay on track.
Prioritize Your Tasks with a Planner
Life can get hectic fast, so having a planner or a digital scheduling app is a game changer. Use it to jot down class schedules, assignment deadlines, and social plans. Apps like Notion, Todoist, or even your phone’s calendar can help you keep it all together. Pro tip: Set reminders for major deadlines and study sessions to keep yourself accountable!
*Pro Tip: Set reminders for major deadlines and study sessions to keep yourself accountable. For local events, add reminders for traffic and parking time, it’s LA, after all! Also, sync your schedule with public transportation times using the TAP app to make sure you’re always on time.
Take Advantage of Zuma Housing’s Study Spaces
When it’s time to get serious, Zuma Housing has your back with quiet study areas designed for focused productivity. Head there when you need to grind out an assignment or prep for exams. Bring headphones and make a playlist that helps you concentrate, think lo-fi beats or classical tunes.
*LA Tip: Bring headphones and make a playlist that helps you concentrate—lo-fi beats or classical tunes work great. Bonus points if you create a custom playlist featuring local indie artists or chill West Coast vibes to keep you in the zone.
Set Social Boundaries
It’s tempting to say “yes” to every invitation, but sometimes you just have to put yourself first. Let your friends know your study schedule so they can support your grind. Planning ahead makes it easier to balance both worlds without feeling overwhelmed.
*Pro Tip: Set “do not disturb” times on your phone when you’re hitting the books, especially useful when group chats are blowing up about the latest event at the Hammer Museum or a street fair in Santa Monica.
Study in Groups (but Make It Productive)
Sometimes studying with friends can actually help you stay motivated. Form a study group with your fellow Zuma Housing tenants and quiz each other before exams. Just make sure to set some ground rules, like limiting off-topic conversations, so the session doesn’t turn into a hangout.
*Pro Tip: Plan group study sessions at coffee spots around Westwood like Espresso Profeta or Alfred Coffee. A change of scenery can boost motivation, plus caffeine doesn’t hurt either!
Reward Yourself for Staying On Track
Sticking to a balanced routine deserves some celebration! Plan small rewards after study sessions, like treating yourself to a coffee run, a quick beach visit, or catching that movie you’ve been eyeing. Positive reinforcement makes it easier to stay consistent.
How to Survive (& Thrive) in LA
