How To Get Study Time In When Traveling For School Sports
Being a student-athlete is like having two full-time jobs—school and sports. When traveling for games, meets, or tournaments, finding time to study can feel almost impossible. You're on the move, surrounded by teammates, mentally focused on competition, and maybe even physically exhausted.
So how are you supposed to keep your grades up, too?
Here’s the good news. With the right strategy, you can manage both. It takes a little planning, smart time management, and support from the right people—like an Academic Coach. But it’s possible.
Here’s how to stay on top of your schoolwork even when you’re on the road:
Plan ahead
Being prepared is everything. As soon as you get your sports travel schedule, pull out your school planner (or use a digital one like Google Calendar or your Swoon Front Office® calendar) and mark the days you'll be out of school. Then look at what's coming up in your classes—homework due dates, test days, projects, readings. Identify any assignments or exams that fall near or during travel.
Once you know what's coming, make a manageable plan. What can you complete before you leave? What do you need to bring with you? If you know a test is scheduled for the day after you return, you’ll want to start studying early or ask your teacher if you can take it ahead of time. Teachers appreciate when you’re proactive. It shows you care about your grades, even with your packed schedule.
Use travel time to your advantage
The bus, plane, or van you're traveling in is more than a ride to your game or match. It's a mobile study hall if you treat it like one. You might want to scroll through TikTok or take a nap, but using just 30-60 minutes of that time to review flashcards, listen to a podcast related to class, or go over notes can make a big difference in test results—and your grades.
Pro tip: Download everything in advance. Wi-Fi can be spotty on the road, so don’t rely on being able to access Google Docs or YouTube videos. Use apps like Quizlet, download PDFs of your notes, or bring printed worksheets and books. Headphones are a must, too. They can help you stay focused even when your teammates are chatting or playing music.
Set mini goals
When traveling, it's easy to feel like you don't have time for anything—especially schoolwork. Keep it simple. Instead of thinking, “I need to study for my whole biology test,” break it down into smaller, bite-sized goals like: review 10 vocab words, watch one review video, redo two practice problems, and summarize one page of notes.
These “mini goals” feel more doable, and hitting them gives you a sense of accomplishment. You can knock out one goal during breakfast, another on the bus, and maybe one more before bed at the hotel.
Work with an Academic Coach
This is your secret weapon.
An Academic Coach helps you stay organized, focused, and on top of your work—especially when your schedule gets hectic. They can help you: make weekly or monthly study plans, break, set priorities when you're overwhelmed, and keep you accountable, even when you're traveling.
Think of them as your academic trainers. Just like your coach helps you level up your performance on the field, your Academic Coach helps you stay strong in the classroom. The best part? They’re there to support you, not to add pressure. They’ll cheer you on, help you problem-solve, and adjust your plan when life gets busy.
Talk with your teachers
Don’t wait until you're on the road to explain why your homework isn’t done. Teachers are more understanding when you give them a heads-up.
Let them know in advance when you’ll be traveling and ask about options. Can you get your assignments ahead of time? Is there a way to submit work digitally while you're away? Can you make up a quiz the day before you leave?
Most teachers will appreciate your responsibility and try to work with you. It shows them you’re committed to your sport and your classwork.
Don’t forget about your wellbeing
Studying when you're running on empty doesn’t help anyone. Prioritize your sleep, stay hydrated, and eat well while traveling. Pack healthy snacks, and make rest a priority when the competition is over. Your brain needs fuel just like your body does.
When well-rested, you’ll retain more information, stay focused longer, and actually get your studying done faster.
Know your limits
You can’t do everything. If you’re on a packed tournament weekend with zero downtime, be honest with yourself—and your teachers—about what’s realistic. Maybe you can’t finish a 3-page essay on the road, but you can get a rough outline done.
Progress over perfection. Do what you can, and make a plan to catch up when you’re back home.
Keep winning
Balancing school and sports isn’t always easy, but it’s possible. It just takes a little strategy, some self-discipline, and a strong support system. Use your travel time wisely, plan, break your studying into small goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Remember: having an Academic Coach in your corner can make all the difference. They’ll help you create a plan that works for you, hold you accountable, and give you the tools to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
You're already proving that you're committed, disciplined, and hardworking—those same skills will help you crush it academically, too.
Now go win that game and ace that test.
Want to start working with an Academic Coach? Book time with one today.
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