A busy schedule for some may include only schoolwork, but for many college students, a busy schedule includes schoolwork, extracurricular activities, internships and a part or full- time job.

Many college students insist on keeping busy schedules, despite the fact there are only 24 hours in a day. According to the last U.S. Census report, 71 percent of the nation’s 19.7 million college undergraduates were working in 2011. Of that number, one in five undergrads were working at least 35 hours a week year-round.

Students who get less than seven hours of sleep tend to have more difficulty in college according to a survey from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Many students work until late at night and must continue studying after.

Peter Vitale, a senior double majoring in biology and chemistry, has been balancing classes, an e-board position for Tara Knights Society and a resident assistant position for three years now. He recently obtained an internship at Total Vascular Care in Brooklyn, N.Y. to observe and aid with surgical procedures. On top of this schedule he also works at the Rudin Center and tutors high school students on the side.

Vitale describes being busy as having a, “lack of free time.” After asked how busy he is, he said: “Always.”

“It’s about prioritizing and about making lists,” said Vitale. After his advice he then added, “Then prioritize the list.”

Junior Samantha Sakakini expanded on Vitale’s suggestions. “Plan ahead,” said Sakakini.

As president of Middle Eastern Club and vice president of Gamma Lambda Rho sorority, she realizes the demanding responsibilities of activities and academics. Working in the Center for Student Success and in the athletics department adds more to her schedule, but she still finds ways to manage her time.

The main idea for keeping up with schoolwork, college life and a paying job or an internship is prioritizing. For instance, once the finals schedule is released, prepare by scheduling some time off from work and spreading out your schoolwork about a month before.

It is also imperative to say “no,” sometimes. While it is easy to take on additional obligations, consider what taking on those new obligations would mean. If they are not as important as other tasks at the current time, it may be best to say no.

Staying healthy can be very difficult when you have many tasks to complete. Schedule time for yourself, even if it is a half hour a day to catch up television shows, which is what Vitale focuses on when he has free time.

Take naps when you have an hour to spare, and take vitamin C and D to replenish your immune system after spending hours inside.

When stressed, it’s important to rely on the support systems that surround you at school. Don’t be afraid to vent to friends or ask a professor an extra question. The Rudin Center is also available for help in classes you might be struggling in.