Philosophy major at UC overwhelmed with coursework - any tips for staying on track?

[WayneGreen]

Ever since I discovered my passion for Philosophy through a high school internship, I've been all in! My dream is to conduct research at a national lab one day, but right now, I'm struggling to stay on track.

As a contemplative and argumentative thinker, constructing solid arguments is key for me. But with homesickness creeping in, it's getting harder to focus. I love blowing off steam by playing intramural sports, but balancing that with my academics is proving tough. Any tips on how to manage my time better and stay motivated?

 

[Aurora]

The workload is brutal but doable.

Time management tips:

• Pomodoro method – 25 min reading, 5 min break. Philosophy readings are dense; you can't do hours straight.
• Read actively – summarize each paragraph in one sentence. This saves you when writing papers later.
• Use intramurals as motivation – "I'll finish this Kant section, THEN I get to play." Rewards work.

Homesickness fades, but reach out to family regularly. Also, join the Philosophy Club—finding your people helps immensely.