Clocking In and Going to Class: How Kean Students Balance Work and College 

By: Michael Mayhew | Publish Date: October 1, 2026

For many college students, the end of the school day does not necessarily mean the end of their responsibilities. Between attending classes, completing assignments, working, and participating in extracurricular activities, students often must find ways to balance several commitments at once. 

At Kean University, some students are managing full-time course loads while also working. Having responsibilities both inside and outside the classroom can require students to carefully organize their schedules throughout the week. Students often must split their time between school, work and their personal lives, leaving less time for studying, relaxing or socializing. 

For students working while attending college, there can also be pressure coming from both environments. Employers depend on their workers, while classmates and professors may expect students to contribute to projects and complete assignments on time. 

“It can feel like I’m being pulled in two different directions where my coworkers need me but my classmates too,” said Stefanny Gamonal, a communications major. “Since I’m full time for school and work, I do my best to make time for both.”  

Managing both responsibilities can mean planning ahead and deciding how to use limited free time. Work schedules, class meetings, group projects, and assignment deadlines can all compete for a student’s attention during a typical week. 

For student athletes, the balancing act can include even more responsibilities. Along with academics and employment, practices and other athletic commitments can add to an already busy schedule. 

“Being a collegiate athlete means constantly balancing academics, work, practice, and life, but it’s something I wouldn’t trade for the world,” said Savannah Olsson, a sports and event management major. “The busy days and packed schedules have pushed me to grow, teaching me discipline, time management, and resilience. It’s not always easy but it’s so worth it.” 

While packed schedules can create challenges, students can also develop their skills from learning how to manage their different responsibilities. Time management can become especially important when students must decide when to work, study, complete assignments, and make time for themselves. Keeping track of deadlines, arriving at work or practice on time and setting priorities can make organization an important part of their routines. 

Finding a balance can also involve recognizing when things do not go according to plan.  A busy semester can bring unexpected changes, difficult assignments and days when students may not accomplish everything they intended. For Meadow Orange, a public relations major, managing time is the best way to deal with this. 

“Time management and giving yourself grace will get you through this semester,” Orange said. “Don’t let any discouraging thought stop you from continuing your learning.” 

Students may approach balancing their responsibilities differently depending on their schedules. Some may work before or after classes, while others have practices, extracurricular activities or additional commitments to manage throughout the week. Regardless of the circumstances, finding a routine that works can be an important part of navigating college. 

As students settle into the fall semester, balancing school with work and other commitments will remain part of everyday life for many. Although each student has different responsibilities, managing a busy schedule can require planning, discipline and the ability to adjust when things do not go as expected.