On any given day on the Harvard Kennedy School campus, you might find a world leader speaking in the , study group session with an , Office of Career Advancement job negotiation workshop, and student conference planning meeting—all happening at the same time.
The sheer number of opportunities to get involved at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is astounding, yet it can be difficult to balance academic, personal, and extracurricular priorities. Finding the right school-life balance is crucial for success at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø.
We asked students to share their own experience managing a school-life balance and offer advice to incoming students. Here’s what they shared.
Karen Kosinski MPP 2026
Balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal life at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø comes with staying intentional with my time. I focus on what matters most, plan ahead, and make space for things that energize me—whether that’s working out, spending time with friends, exploring Cambridge and Boston, or pursuing meaningful projects. Surrounding myself with a strong support system and embracing moments of rest help me stay motivated and focused. Being flexible and knowing when to step back allows me to maintain balance without feeling overwhelmed.
With so many opportunities at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, it can be easy to feel pulled in multiple directions, but the best approach is to focus on your priorities and make deliberate choices about which events and activities to pursue. By honing in on what excites you or aligns with your interests, you can make the most of your time without stretching yourself too thin. This way, you can fully engage in what you choose to do and get the most out of each experience. Trying something new each week—whether it’s joining a study group in an unfamiliar subject or attending a JFK Forum event—is a great way to get involved as well.
Lydia Glock MPA 2026
Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and other commitments as a full-time student at Harvard Kennedy School can be daunting. There seem to be endless opportunities of interesting classes, fascinating lectures and study groups, and social events to join. As an international student, I also navigate the challenge of staying connected with friends and family across different time zones while embracing the time here. However, over the last semester, I’ve learned the value of leaving room for spontaneity—whether it’s meeting someone for coffee or joining an unexpected event. This approach has helped me enjoy the opportunities here much more and explore different parts of the campus and city.
Trey Leveque MPP 2026
Balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, personal life, and everything else at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is definitely a work in progress. It looks different for everyone. There are so many opportunities both on and off campus, and the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming at times. For me, the key has been figuring out what balance actually means for me, not anyone else.
I’m someone who loves a good organizational system, so I lean heavily on my Google Calendar, to-do lists, and other tools to keep myself on track. When it comes to classes, I try to get ahead on readings and assignments whenever possible. That helps me free up time to be more present for the parts of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø that matter just as much to me—like spending time with classmates and building relationships. The people here are incredible, and our time together is limited, so I want to make the most of it.
I’ve learned that balance isn’t just about scheduling every minute of my day. It’s about constantly asking myself: What’s actually important to me right now? What am I willing to sacrifice, and what am I not? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but the beauty of ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø is that you get to create your own path—and figuring out how to balance it all is part of the experience.
Helen Agee MPP 2026
As a student and full-time member of the Air Force, I have a lot on my plate. To balance academics, military duties, and extracurricular activities, including working as a circulation desk assistant at the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø library and planning events in the Alpha Social Committee, I block out several hours each week on my calendar for uninterrupted study time. Additionally, I get a full eight hours of sleep every night, even if that means I cannot put as much time into other areas of my life. Quality rest has important spillover effects on mental health, academic success, and overall wellbeing, so I make it my utmost priority.
