Let’s be real—being a student entrepreneur is like having two full-time jobs. You’re managing classes, homework, exams, and on top of that, you’re building a business from the ground up. It’s a lot. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. At the Center for Entrepreneurship, we know that balancing academics with entrepreneurship is key to thriving. So, we’ve put together some practical tips to help you crush both.
1. Prioritize Like a Pro
First things first—know what matters most. When your to-do list is packed with both school deadlines and business tasks, it’s important to figure out what needs your attention right now. Is that exam tomorrow, or is it that pitch meeting? Make a list and prioritize by urgency and impact.
💡 Pro Tip: Try apps like Notion or Google Keep to track both schoolwork and business tasks. It’s all about staying on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Time Block Your Day
You’ve probably heard this one before, but time-blocking is a lifesaver. Break your day into chunks and set specific times for schoolwork, business stuff, and even breaks. Having a plan keeps you focused and helps you avoid last-minute cramming or fire drills for your startup.
🔑 Key Move: Schedule in downtime too! Burnout is real, so make sure you’re giving yourself space to recharge.
3. Use Campus Resources—They’re Free!
The University of Michigan has so many resources to help you win at both school and your startup. From tutoring and study groups to mentorship programs at CFE, you’ve got access to a lot of support. Take advantage of it!
🚀 Taking Action: Check out CFE’s programs, events, and courses. They’re here to help you build your business while keeping your grades up.
4. Build a Study Team
Why go it alone when you can team up? Working with classmates can help you stay on track with school, and you never know—they might have some killer business ideas too. It’s a win-win: study, network, and maybe even find your next co-founder.
🤝 Hot Tip: Use group study sessions as a way to catch up and brainstorm. You’re bound to meet other entrepreneurial minds on campus.
5. Take Care of Your Well-Being
Balancing school and a startup can be stressful. Make sure you’re checking in on your mental health. Whether it’s going for a walk, hitting the gym, or just taking a break to binge-watch a show, self-care is a must.
💬 Mental Break: Visiting your favorite business-related websites or entrepreneurship-focused blogs (like ours! 🙂 can be a good way to relax while reading something that helps you stay productive without sacrificing breaks.
6. Apply What You’re Learning in Class to Your Business
Here’s the cool thing—your classes can actually help you with your startup. ENTR courses, Ross classes, data science, even that marketing elective—they all can help you improve at what you’re doing with your venture. Start thinking about how your school projects can help you grow your business.
📚 Challenge Yourself: Next time you have a class project, think about how you can apply it to your startup. You’ll be surprised by how much overlap there is!
7. Flexibility Is Your Friend
Some weeks, school is going to need more of your attention, and other weeks, your startup will take over. That’s totally normal. Flexibility is key—just keep your eye on the bigger picture. You’re building something awesome, and that takes time.
⚡ Pro Tip: Stay adaptable. Life (and business) can be unpredictable, but as long as you stay focused, you’ll keep moving forward.
You’ve Got This!
Balancing school and your startup can be demanding, but with strategic planning and determination, you can do it. Remember that at the CFE we are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re prepping for exams or your next investor pitch, you’ve got a support system right here at U-M.
💡 What’s Next?: Explore CFE’s events, mentorship programs, and resources to help you level up your business while keeping your grades up. You’re the future of innovation—let’s make it happen.
Got study tips to share? We want to hear from you! Head over to our Instagram post, where students are already dropping their best advice, and leave your own tips in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to balance school and entrepreneurship like pros! 🎓🚀