Balancing College, Work and Life in Fort Worth

Starting college can feel like stepping into a juggling act. Classes, jobs, friendships, organizations and maybe even being in a new city — it can seem like a lot to handle at once. 

But Horned Frogs say balance is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about finding rhythms, routines and spaces that make life feel full, not overwhelming. And in Fort Worth,  TCU’s campus and the city are part of our students’ support system. 

Planning Makes the Difference 

For many students, balance starts before the week even begins. 

Camila Parra ’28, double majoring in political science and philosophy with a psychology minor on the pre-law track from Denton, Texas, treats Sundays as her reset day. 

“Sunday is always my planning and reset day. I put all my tasks and due dates into Google Calendar for the week and meal prep in case I don’t have time to cook,” Parra explains. “Writing everything out has been a lifesaver. I’m more organized and not as stressed, and getting things done early gives me more free time to focus on my other commitments.” 

Jonah Felger ’28, a finance and entrepreneurship student with a fintech certificate from San Angelo, Texas, takes a similar approach. 

“I structure my days like a traditional 9-to-5 job,” Felger says. “I complete my school, work and personal tasks between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Once that’s done, the rest of the day is for friends and hobbies. Planning ahead helps me stay focused and avoid last-minute stress.” 

Every Day Looks Different 

For Alexis Garcia ’26, a journalism student with a Spanish minor from Garland, Texas, no two days look the same — and that is part of what keeps her energized. Garcia is involved in TCU Ballet Folklórico, TCU Ambassadors, the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life and audiovisual services at Robert Carr Chapel, all while interning at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth and Telemundo 39 (T39), a Spanish-language news station serving the DFW community — two of the region’s largest news networks. 

“Every day looks a little different, but having that variety helps keep me motivated and engaged,” Garcia says. “I used to worry about maintaining a social life while staying involved. Over time, I learned to prioritize what matters most to me and be intentional with my time.” 

Fort Worth as a Reset Button 

Horned Frogs say social life in Fort Worth is not a distraction from school life. It is a place to recharge. 

“Being in Fort Worth has been amazing,” Garcia says. “I love that I can explore places like the Stockyards or Sundance Square whenever I want to reset. Having those options nearby makes it easier to separate school from personal time.” 

Felger agrees. 

“The city offers countless opportunities for social, personal and professional growth,” he said. “Whether it’s internships, dining or just walking around the Stockyards with friends, Fort Worth provides a dynamic environment outside the classroom.” 

And sometimes, balance looks like a coffee shop and a change of scenery. 

“My favorite spot is always a coffee shop,” Garcia says. “Whether that’s Ampersand, Common Grounds or somewhere off campus, that’s where I get my best work done and can reset.” 

Support Systems on Campus 

Campus resources always make balancing life easier. 

Felger uses the Writing Center, Research Support Desk and Math Clinic to stay on top of academics, while the Rec Center and intramural sports help him manage stress. 

Garcia says offices like Religious & Spiritual Life, the Intercultural Center and Leadership and Student Involvement have shaped her experience, along with simple habits like planners, alarms and prioritizing mental and physical health. 

“Google Calendar has definitely become a close companion,” she says. 

Parra says simple systems have made the biggest difference in her college routine. 

“Putting everything into my calendar and meal prepping each week helps me stay on track,” she said. “It keeps my stress down and helps me feel more in control of my time.” 

 What Surprised Them Most 

Many students say college life includes more flexibility than they expected. 

“When I first started college, I thought I would constantly be studying,” Felger said. “But college actually allows me more free time than I thought it would. The real challenge is how you choose to spend it.” 

Parra shares a similar shift in perspective. 

“I came to TCU worried about how I was going to balance everything,” she said. “But once I started planning my weeks and getting organized, it felt a lot more manageable. Staying ahead of my work has given me more time to be involved and actually enjoy college.” 

 Garcia shares a similar realization. 

“I assumed my life would revolve entirely around coursework,” she said. “What surprised me most was how easy it is to get involved at TCU.” 

Their advice to future Horned Frogs is simple: you do not have to do everything, do what matters most to you. 

“Take time to reflect on what’s most important to you and build everything else around that,” Garcia said. “Your experience is what you make of it.” 

Felger encourages future students to trust the support around them. 

“No matter where you go, balancing everything can be challenging,” he said. “What sets TCU apart is the abundance of resources and support. Professors know your name, classes are small and the environment is welcoming. You’re not doing this alone.” 

It is not too late to start your Horned Frog journey. Committing to TCU is the first step toward finding your balance as a Horned Frog in Fort Worth.