Balancing Academics and Athletics: What to expect as a Student-Athlete in the US!
For international students, the opportunity to play your sport at a US college is incredible, however, it’s important to remember that the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete’ always comes first. Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can succeed in both.
A Day in the Life of a Student-Athlete:
Every stduent’s schedule will look a little different, but it’s safe to say your calendar will be full. You can expect a mix of training, strength and conditioning, classes, tutoring, recovery, study hall, travel and of course, your games or tournaments.
As your days will fill up quickly, planning ahead will be essential. Using a planner or digital calendar to map out your academic commitments alongside your athletic schedule will help you stay on track and avoid any stress.
Support Systems to Help You Succeed:
While this may sound overwhelming, one of the biggest advantages of being a student-athlete is the built in support available to you.
Most colleges assign student-athletes an Academic Advisor. Their role is to help you choose the right classes for your major, stay on top of academic requirements, and access extra resources when needed. Advisors can also organise tutoring sessions for subjects you find challenging and check in with you regularly, especially during busier times of the season.
Stark Performance Center at Iowa State University. A place specifically for student-athletes to recover, fuel and study!
Keeping Balance and Sticking to The Basics:
When your schedule is demanding, it’s easy to forget the simple things that keep you performing at your best. Remember to:
- Get plenty of sleep: Recovery is just as important as training
- Eat well: Fueling your body properly supports both academic focus and athletic performance.
- Finding hobbies you enjoy: Taking time for yourself outside of sports and studies can help to avoid burnout.
Life as a student-athlete is fast paced and full of opportunities. With good time management, strong support systems and a focus on your wellbeing, you’ll be able to thrive both academically and athletically.
If you have any further questions on what it’s like to be a student-athlete, feel free to get in touch!
Email- phoebe@athleticademix.com or complete our Free Assessment.
