Illustration by Zoe Wren Arntsen, Illustrator.
“Work hard, play hard,” a phrase often encouraged by parents of students that becomes synonymous with the college experience. Late nights in the library are balanced with even later nights out with friends. But at Chapman University, where social life stems beyond campus and into the realm of Orange County, the balance of academics and a social life comes with a price tag.
Between classes, internships, part-time jobs and clubs, the pressure to make the most of our college years leaves students navigating the question that goes beyond the number in their bank accounts — how much does it really cost to have a social life?
“I need to sacrifice sleep to participate in social activities, even in Chapman activities like Midnight Breakfast and club meetings, and I think it’s worth it,” sophomore creative writing major Natalie Golovin said. “But I also sacrifice sleep to study for all my classes during midterms and finals, and that isn’t as fun.”
“I have seen only a fraction of the social side at Chapman,” sophomore writing for film and television major Colin C. Silber said. “From what I have seen, I would say (the balance between work hard, play hard) is apparent.”
On a college campus with constant action, it can be difficult for students to navigate choosing what to prioritize… and the hard part is there is no right answer.
“Sometimes it gets overwhelming trying to keep track of my personal responsibilities, work and my social life,” Golovin said. “When I get overwhelmed around midterms or finals, I let go of my social life a little, but throughout the rest of the year, I feel like I give equal attention to all three.”
However, work-life balance isn't the only factor. Even with a perfect college experience full of memory-making, going to college in an expensive area can limit students' access to off-campus experiences.
“Orange County can be really expensive and can make going out with friends pretty pricey,” sophomore film and television production major Sam Rosenthal said. “Often when I go out, I find I’m spending around $25 on just food and gas.”
As expenses accumulate, even casual plans can become a financial burden for college students on a tight budget, leaving students to weigh the cost of going out against the fear of missing out.“I turned down plans once because I already spent too much that week,” Golovin said. “When plans mean we need to figure out an Uber situation and pay for food or drinks, it adds up, and I definitely wish I didn’t turn it down or that there was another solution.”
While living in an expensive place with limited time for social activity, Chapman students face the challenge of having to balance their financial responsibilities with the desire to make the most of their little time for social experiences. A good way students solve both issues is by getting involved on campus through Chapman programs like the University Program Board (UPB).
“Chapman has so many affordable activities because of the University Program Board,” Golovin said. “My friends and I have gone to UPB movie screenings, Midnight Breakfasts and even Disneyland for free, and next week I’m going to the Build a Buddy event.”
Beyond providing affordable entertainment, these campus events offer students many opportunities to socialize and have fun without having the pressure of choosing between their academic and professional responsibilities.
“I’m sure the balance between social, academic and professional success depends on the individual student, but from what I’ve seen, Chapman students work hard to maintain all three,” Golovin said. “Chapman helps out a lot too by giving students places to study together and go to fun events together.”
When the angst to make the most out of the college years runs deep in the mindset of students, taking part in campus activities offers an opportunity to create memories without added financial burden. While the work hard, play hard mentality is central to students, the price of participation isn’t always measured in dollars. Between packed schedules, financial responsibilities and fear of missing out, students decide individually how to balance their time at Chapman to make their experience meaningful.