Tips For Surviving IMSA (from an ex-sophomore)

From the moment you step onto campus, you’ll find yourself immersed into IMSA’s environment that challenges you academically and personally. The workload can be intense, friendships will be tested, and the pressure of balancing school, extracurriculars, and your personal life can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, the journey at IMSA is also incredibly rewarding, filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and forging lifelong relationships. 

Read on to find out my practical strategies and tips that I wish I would’ve known coming into IMSA, from the perspective of a former sophomore. Hopefully, these insights will help you make the most of your time at IMSA, whether you’re an incoming sophomore or an upperclassman.

Don’t stay in your room

When you spend all your time at school, the line between your academic and personal life is muddied. To avoid burnout, spend as much time out of your room as possible.  If you prefer a quiet environment similar to your room, consider using the silent study rooms offered in the library. Even for the most introverted of us, socialization helps alleviate feelings of isolation. 

I spent most of the first semester feeling extreme;y depressed and isolated because of the fact that I remained cooped up in my room. When I made an effort to be on campus as much as possible, only returning to my room at 9:00 at the end of the day, I noticed a considerable difference in the quality and happiness in my days.

Make sure you eat, no matter how gross

IMSA’s food is often memed by students, but it’s still (obviously) important to eat at IMSA. Us IMSA students go through this phenomenon where eating is subconsciously not prioritized. Without the push of their families reminding them of dinner and breakfast, these meals get skipped, intentionally or otherwise. Don’t overload your schedule with obligations that don’t give you time to eat dinner. Your focus and mental wellbeing improves greatly from eating all three meals, including the obvious physical benefits from doing so. 

However, simply eating three meals a day isn’t enough– make sure they’re relatively healthy. If you have meetings all day and can’t make it to Lexington on time, sometimes eating ramen is the only option you have. But ramen isn’t the most nutritious choice, so be sure that your food intake doesn’t entirely rely on ramen. 

Roommate living

Living with a roommate is a significant shift from the familiarity of living with your family. Whether your roommate is someone you chose or randomly assigned, conflicts are inevitable. To prevent these disagreements from escalating, it’s crucial to establish a clear set of guidelines at the start of the school year.

Begin by discussing each other’s non-negotiables. Understanding what each of you considers essential can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure mutual respect. Next, decide on a plan for sharing responsibilities and supplies, such as soap, toilet paper, and cleaning duties. This prevents last-minute arguments about who should restock or clean shared spaces.

One of the most important topics to cover is your daily routines. Discuss your morning and night schedules in detail. Knowing when each of you has your first class, what time you’ll wake up, and who gets to use the shower first can help avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth start to your day. Additionally, talk about what happens if one of you is running late or needs to wake up early. Having a plan in place for these situations can minimize disruptions and maintain harmony in your living space.

However, in my opinion, the best way to have a good relationship with your roommate is to put effort into becoming genuine friends with them. Your roommate will see you at your most vulnerable states, when you’re overwhelmed, homesick, or having a breakdown. Over time, your roommate and your room will become your second home, and will be an important part of your support system. By investing in your friendship, you’ll not only create a more harmonious living situation but also gain a valuable ally who understands and supports you through your academic journey and personal challenges. This effort will pay off in creating a more enjoyable and supportive environment at IMSA.

Wear your work lightly

 Coming to IMSA, you were probably a stellar student who took great pride in your work and academic successes. The transition to IMSA, however, can be a humbling experience. The rigorous academic environment and the high caliber of your peers may challenge your self-perception and academic confidence. IMSA has a unique way of breaking down your ego while simultaneously building up your true confidence. 

To survive in a highly rigorous and competitive environment, you’ll need to not internalize failures. Most of us get motivated due to our achievements and get discouraged when we “fail,” placing our self-worth in our perceived triumphs.  To succeed at IMSA, you’ll need to learn how to persist in your hard work regardless of whatever immediate outcomes occur. In short, you’ll learn that true resilience comes from continuing your efforts irrespective of the results, positive or negative.

Moreover, focus on your long-term goals rather than short-term setbacks. Remember why you chose IMSA and what you hope to achieve. Keeping your aspirations in mind will help you stay motivated and maintain perspective during difficult times.

Have one set part of your routine per day that you look forward to

At IMSA, your schedule will be filled to the brim, whether you’re a sophomore or an upperclassman. This packed schedule makes it easy to lose yourself to your work, and forget the things that used to bring happiness to you. 

Before coming to IMSA, I used to wake up genuinely excited for school, but once I started here, I found myself dreading the school day when the alarm rang, especially during periods of burnout. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it was the simple pleasure of taking a stroll around campus just before curfew with a close friend that made the rest of the day seem more manageable.

Carving out moments of joy and relaxation lets you recharge and motivate yourself, especially during difficult times. Establishing daily rituals, such as nighttime walks for me, provide a refreshing break from academic pressures, and allow you to perform even better when it is time to focus.

Maintain connections with your hometown, home friends, and family

Several aspects of IMSA distinguish it from other public schools in Illinois, but one of the most notable is the living experience. Students, separated from their families, immerse themselves deeply in their academic pursuits. The term “IMSA bubble” holds significance because it reflects how intensely our lives revolve around IMSA, often to the extent that we lose touch with the broader world we came from.

Maintaining connections with your hometown is vital for staying grounded and maintaining perspective. Getting a B in a class, or failing a test seems like the end of the world in an environment where everyone seems to brag about their successes. 

By nurturing ties to your hometown and family, you keep a sense of balance and remember that there’s more to life than the immediate challenges of school. This broader perspective not only supports your mental well-being but also helps you navigate the ups and downs of academic life with resilience and a healthier outlook.

Have a coping mechanism for stress

This is perhaps the most valuable advice my former sophomore self could impart to you. At IMSA, stress will inevitably come from all directions—schoolwork, friendships, extracurriculars, and more. The key to managing it all lies in how well you handle stress itself. Those who appear the most carefree and content are often individuals who have mastered the art of stress management.

I advise you to find your method for coping with stress, something you can do in the moment to keep you from letting your anxieties paralyze you. For me, it was doodling in the margins of my notes, which allowed me to channel my nervous energy into something that helped regain my focus. You might find relief in breathing exercises, or listening to a certain type of music. Whatever it is, find your healthy coping method so you’re equipped to handle the challenges that IMSA presents.

The best water fountain!

If anyone is like myself and is very picky about the taste of their water, you probably have found yourself disappointed at the water sources at IMSA. By far the best water on campus, whether in the Main building or in the dorms, is located next to security. It tastes like fresh mineral water, as if IMSA has a separate source they get that specific water fountain’s water from. I fill up my gallon water bottle at that water fountain every morning before school starts, and only drink that water throughout the day.