Time management is essential in college. You need to be productive, but you also need to have time for yourself, so what should you be doing in that awkward hour-or-so break between your classes?

Depending on how long your break is, here are some ideas:

• • Are you just exhausted from the week? Grab some coffee, a smoothie, a snack, or even an early meal before your next class. It is important for your body to get the energy it needs to get you through the rest of the day-needless to say your next class. At the University of Iowa, Dunkin Donuts is my go-to coffee spot and it is just right across the street from the Pentacrest.
  • Get some exercise by taking the long way to your next class. This way you can explore your surroundings and visit a part of campus that you may never go by. I had some extra time between my classes recently, so I grabbed some coffee and took the long way to class. I ended up walking by the back side of the Pentacrest, which was decorated for Veteran’s Day.  I never really have to take a route to class that passes this area of campus, so I got to see something new I would have otherwise not been able to experience.
  • Go to office hours or set up a meeting with an advisor. How long has it been since you checked in with your professors or advisor? Take some time to catch up.
  • Run some errands that you have been pushing off. Do you need to grab a few things from the store? Or do you have to drop off a few things in a building you don’t normally go to? Take the time now to knock out a few of those errands.
  • Refresh your memory with a quick study session. Go to class early and study your notes, or sit outside if it is a nice day. There are plenty of beautiful study spots around campus!
  • Take some time for yourself. College is stressful, so you can’t forget to take care of yourself. Take a nap to catch up on your sleep or relax by watching some TV.
  • Say hello to your friends. People will not have the same schedule as you, so take advantage of the breaks you have at the same time as your friends.
  • Check your email. In college, it is important to stay up to date with your email. After all, it is how many of your professors and student organizations will communicate with you.
  • Do your laundry. Do not wait until Sunday night to do your laundry, the laundry room is just too busy then! Get your laundry done when you get the opportunity.
  • Update your resume, LinkedIn, work files, and more. It is important to have yourself organized and prepared for applications and interviews. You never know when an opportunity will arise.