When you move into your apartment, the first thing you’ll think to yourself is that you have all the room you need to party, sleep and study.

You’ll soon find, however, especially if you have roommates, that exactly the opposite is true. Student apartments can come with cramped quarters and when you’re sharing space, the dilemma becomes even greater. Learning how to maximize your space and utilize it for your work and your play will make the college experience much more satisfying…or at least just a little easier to get through. Take a break from your regular day and chew on these five tips for making your place work for all the parts of your life!

Make one space your own

The first thing you should do when you’re in a new environment, especially one you have to share with two or more people you may not know, is to choose a spot and make it your own. Whether that place is your desk, your bed or your favorite chair, you’ll need to make sure that it’s free of all the daily pressures, such as the stresses of work and school. Surround your place with you favorite music, books, etc., and you’ll have created your own personal hideaway.

Separate your work space from your play space

In a small apartment, it may be difficult but there is always a way to create separation. If you can, keep your computer and school books out of your bedroom. If that’s not possible, create a space for work in your room that is away from your bed and out of your sight when you’re trying to relax.

Remember that outside is good, too

Every once in a while (okay, probably every day), it’s good to get outside. Think you’re too busy? Take your books with you. Don’t be afraid to do homework, read a book, play your Game Boy or just relax out on the grass on campus or at your apartment. A little sunshine and fresh air never killed anybody and you’ll find that it will both help you to de-stress and stimulate all of your senses as well as your mind.

Make your own rules and don’t break them

Making rules for yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself in college, as long as you stick to them. Remember, these rules weren’t made to broken—don’t do homework in bed, don’t do your homework near a television, etc. If you make these rules and stick to them you won’t have to worry about the stress that comes with distractions and wasted time…and you won’t have to worry about losing sleep when your term paper is just too close for comfort.
When you get to your college destination, you have to remember that this is supposed to be the best time of your life, but it won’t get that way on its own. A little pre-planning will ensure that the good times are easier to come by than your diploma on graduation day.