Everybody loves to relax on their free time, but for many high school students, free time isn’t just for relaxation, it’s also a chance to stay on top of schoolwork and prepare for the next big test. Between part-time jobs, extracurriculars, and daily homework, managing that time effectively has become essential for academic success.

Balancing schoolwork with other responsibilities takes discipline and planning. Some students dedicate specific times during the week to studying, creating environments that help them focus and avoid distractions.

“I study for most of my free time that I have available,” said Liam Tolzman (’28). “It’s intentional… I just think about like my goals I want, get into a good college and get a scholarship, so I need to focus on getting my grades… studying at night or a few days before a test helps me retain the information better, and I try to make the environment as quiet and bright as possible.” Said Tolzman

Many students find that developing consistent routines helps them stay productive. From studying after school to carving out quiet spaces away from distractions, routines can make academic work feel more manageable, even when paired with other commitments like jobs or sports.

“I use flashcards a lot… I read things aloud because I feel like it helps me remember them better.” Said Lily Norris (’27). “I just try to get into a space. I’ll turn off my phone so that the notifications on my phone don’t distract me… If I’m in public, I’ll put in both my AirPods so that everything is muffled.” Said Norris.

Others have learned that studying during free time isn’t just about discipline, it’s also about balance. by creating calm environments and pacing their workload, some students discover they perform better and stress less.

“I can’t really study, like music or, like, a show or anything, so just quiet… I typically study with my friend if we have the same test, but if it’s just for my individual classes –  I just study alone.” Said Lily Garrison (’26). “I can’t really rest unless I’ve done something, so I make sure I do it, and I make sure I do it to the best of my abilities.” Garrison said.

For these students, studying during free time has become a way to grow both academically and personally. As Garrison said, “I can succeed if I put the work in. If I don’t, then I’m bot going to do as good… have discipline and routine. That’s kind of how I succeed. Just do it, don’t wait.”