Balancing Class and Shooting Days as an 18 Year Old College Model Girl
Balancing class schedules with early morning photo shoots is the hardest part of being an 18 year old college model girl. Last Tuesday, I had a shoot across town at six in the morning and a microeconomics mid-term at ten. Learning how to juggle deadlines for professors while keeping agencies happy takes real planning, but you can definitely do both without losing your mind.
The secret is managing your energy just as much as your time. Most people think modeling is just standing in front of a camera for an hour, but long test shoots can drain you before a two-hour lecture even starts. When you set simple boundaries and use smart planning tricks, you can keep your grades up and build your portfolio at the same time.
How I Plan My Weekly Schedule Around Shoots
Every Sunday night, I open my calendar app and color-code my whole week. School deadlines get marked in blue, and modeling jobs or casting calls get marked in yellow. If I see three yellow blocks on a day right before a big paper is due, I know I have to finish that paper early. You can never wait until the night before when your schedule changes so fast.
I also set strict limits on how many jobs I accept during the school week. I keep my weekdays open for classes and study groups whenever I can. Most photographers and brands are happy to shoot on Saturdays if you ask them early enough. For great ideas on looking your best for those weekend photos, check out 8 Fashion Model Poses Every College Girl Can Use to save time on set.
It also helps to talk to your agency about your class hours right when you sign. I gave my booker a copy of my syllabus on the first day of the semester. That way, they know not to send me casting calls during my mandatory chemistry lab on Thursday afternoons.
What to Keep in Your Bag for Long Days
When you go straight from a photo studio to the library, your tote bag needs to hold two completely different lives. I carry a lightweight laptop, a notebook, and my favorite lip balm everywhere I go. Packing smart saves you from having to run back to your dorm room three times a day.
Here are the key items I pack every single day:
- A high-capacity phone charger so my battery does not die during long calls with my agent.
- Simple face wipes to remove heavy studio makeup before walking into class.
- A healthy snack like almonds or a banana to keep my energy high between lunch and late afternoon lectures.
- A basic black top that works for quick polaroid updates or casual hangouts after class.
Having these items ready prevents extra stress when a shoot runs twenty minutes late. You just wipe your face, grab your bag, and head straight to your lecture hall without feeling messy or rushed.
How to Talk to Professors About Missing Class
Honesty is always the best way to handle your professors when work comes up. At the start of the term, I go to office hours and introduce myself. I explain that I work as an 18 year old college model girl, but I make it very clear that my education comes first.
When a big job forces me to miss a lecture, I tell my professor at least four days before it happens. I ask for the reading list ahead of time so I do not fall behind. Most teachers are open to helping you if they see that you care about your work and respect their time. If you want more tips on how to balance busy campus life, read our student lifestyle guide for young models to stay organized all year long.
Never try to hide a shoot or make up an excuse about being sick. Professors can usually tell when a student is not being honest. Being professional in school builds the same good habits you need when working with major fashion clients.
Keeping Your Stress Low During Mid-Terms
Exam weeks are the absolute test for any student who also works. During finals, I tell my modeling agency that I am on a complete booking hold for seven days. Taking a short break from camera work lets me focus entirely on my grades without feeling pulled in two directions.
I also make sure to sleep at least seven hours a night, even when things get crazy. Sleep deprivation shows up on your skin immediately, and it makes studying twice as hard. Going to bed early is the best beauty trick and study tool there is.
Taking care of your mental health keeps you from burning out halfway through your freshman year. Remember to schedule down time with your friends where you do not talk about fashion shows or exam scores at all. Just relax, order some pizza, and enjoy being a college student.
What is your favorite trick for staying organized when your busy schedule gets completely out of hand?
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