During my sophomore year, our dorm was the place everyone wanted to be. The doors stayed open, video games were always running, and there was never a shortage of people hanging out. Looking back, I honestly don’t remember many quiet moments.
Our resident assistant eventually became convinced we spent far too much time having fun and not enough time studying. He arranged for the Dean of Students to come teach our entire dorm a seminar on time management.
The Dean reminded us that college was about more than having a good time. Then he asked a simple question.
“So, how are your grades?”
Around the room, guys began sharing their GPAs. Most of the dorm was doing well academically. We had student leaders, athletes, editors, and campus officers living on our hall. After listening for a few minutes, the Dean smiled and said, “Well, if you’re getting all of that done, then keep having fun.”
His point still stuck with me.
There is a time to study and a time to laugh. A time to work and a time to rest. As Ecclesiastes says, “There is an occasion for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). The challenge is learning what deserves your time and what doesn’t.
Time Is Your Most Limited Resource
Unlike money, time cannot be earned back once it is gone. Every person receives the same twenty-four hours each day, and every one of us decides how those hours will be spent.
Paul urged believers to “pay careful attention… making the most of the time” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Wise people do not simply stay busy. They intentionally invest their time in what matters most.
The danger for most college students is not having nothing to do. It is filling their schedules with too many things that matter too little.
Avoid Both Extremes
Some students waste enormous amounts of time. Solomon pointed to the ant as an example of diligence and warned against the laziness that quietly steals opportunities (Proverbs 6:6-11). Procrastination, endless scrolling, gaming for hours, and sleeping half the day rarely feel dangerous in the moment, but they slowly rob you of the very opportunities God has given you.
Others make the opposite mistake. They become so busy that every hour is committed to another meeting, organization, practice, or event. Eventually, they become exhausted and discover that busyness is not the same as fruitfulness.
You only have enough time to do God’s will. That means you will have to say no to many good things so you can say yes to the best things.
Make Jesus Your First Priority
Even Christians can become busy doing things for Jesus while neglecting time with Jesus.
Jesus gently reminded Martha that although she was busy serving, Mary had chosen what was better by sitting at His feet (Luke 10:38-42). Ministry, church events, and Christian organizations should never replace a growing relationship with Christ.
The most important appointment on your calendar is the one you make with Him.
Schedule Your Priorities
Many people prioritize their schedule after it is already full. A wiser approach is to schedule your priorities first.
Begin with your relationship with Christ. Build your academic responsibilities around that foundation. Make time for meaningful friendships, faithful involvement in a local church, and healthy rest. Then evaluate everything else by asking one simple question: Does this help me accomplish what God has called me to do?
Every “yes” is also a “no” to something else. That is why learning to say no is one of the greatest time-management skills you will ever develop.
College only lasts a few years, but the habits you develop there often follow you for decades. Redeem the time God has given you. Work hard. Rest well. Invest in people. Walk closely with Jesus.
Don’t prioritize your schedule.
Schedule your priorities.
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