Nearly every student has experienced frantically trying to write a paper a few hours before it’s due. Although assignments are often given out weeks ahead, it always seems like a good idea to let them wait until the last second.

Waiting often lasts until the night before the due date, resulting in frustration and countless cans of empty energy drinks.

Most, if not all, college students procrastinate in some form. However, this habit is counterproductive to the goal of pursing higher education. After all, college is about more than just passing classes; it’s about learning.

Despite knowing how harmful it is, procrastination has a way of luring its victims with promises of free time and relaxation.

Students don’t have to continue waiting until the last minute. Granted, this is easier said than done, but procrastination must be dealt with.

Procrastination hurts students because they don’t exercise their full potential when writing a paper or taking an exam. It is a self-inflicted evil most Sacramento State students partake in.

Sophomore kinesiology major Huy Hoang said procrastination has been a long-time habit he recently managed to control. Hoang admits he continues to procrastinate a few times a week.

“It has been a high school habit, followed into college especially my first year,” Hoang said. “But now it’s been tamed.”

Hoang said he has “tamed” procrastination learning to better manage his time.

Putting off studies until the last minute adds stress to the already-hectic lives college students have-stress which can be avoided through better time management.

“For my freshman seminar class we have to write a seven-to-10-page paper,” said undeclared freshman Jazmin Gutierrez. “(The professor) assigned the proposal for the paper since the beginning of class as homework. I ended up doing it the night before.”

Gutierrez realized procrastination was a problem and has since made more time to study.

“I find I am more relaxed and focused,” Gutierrez said.

Some students don’t feel the need to eliminate procrastination from their routines. Instead they find ways to incorporate some leeway for procrastination into their schedules.

Undeclared freshman Mariah Saguil doesn’t feel procrastination is an issue as long as the student knows how to manage it.

“For me, procrastination is not a big deal because I schedule it in,” Saguil said. “I give myself some cushion when I plan out my study time.”

Saguil also said it’s not only lazy students who procrastinate but good students as well.

Many good students are able to do so without sacrificing their grades, but while this may be a source of pride to some students, they do themselves a disservice in fomenting procrastination.

Although students’ grades may not be affected by procrastination, their level of learning is negatively affected. Students who procrastinate rob themselves of the full intellectual experience college offers.

Procrastination cuts short students’ ability and inhibits their education. Students should commit to their higher education head-on instead of cheating themselves of the opportunity to grow intellectually.

Catalina Carapia-Aguillon can be reached at [email protected]