While there are slight differences from school to school, between sports, and sometimes even within athletes on the same team, there is a rough timeline that most athletes will have in common in the US. Going to college in America is very demanding and you will encounter a lot of long days with very little free time. No matter if you are a golfer, a tennis or soccer player, or a swimmer, you will have a lot of responsibilities and a lot of obligations each day. Your days typically start very early and when you are a student athlete, it is crucial to always get a good night’s sleep so you are rested for the next day. So here is what a typical schedule will look like for you as a student athlete:
- 5.30 – 6am: Wake Up
- 6am: Morning Workout
- 7.30am: Breakfast
- 8am: Classes
- 12.30 – 1pm: Lunch
- 1 – 5/6pm: Team Practice
- 6pm: Dinner
- 7pm: Homework or Study Hall
- 8pm: Free Time / Rest
So as you can see, the schedule is tightly packed and very demanding, which is why we cannot stress enough how important it is to get sufficient rest in the evenings and nights. However, if you love your sport, it is a lot of fun and you also do get a lot of benefits being a student athlete. For instance, you will get a ton of help on the academic side, such as team study hall sessions or free tutors that are available for you in case you are struggling in a class. And as mentioned above, these schedules can vary from sport to sport or team to team, and you will also have days where you do not have practice or where coaches give you the chance to rest. So for those of you starting in the United States later this month, embrace this opportunity and enjoy every second of it!