A student-friendly approach to minimalism

Break through the clutter!

Living in an attention-economy world, the amount of media vying for your attention can get overwhelming. From your friends’ real-time updates to the endless scrolling possibilities on social media apps, one does not get bored. But the real question is, does one ever focus? Let’s learn about minimalism!

Minimalism is the perfect anecdote to reset your habits if you’re caught on the web of wasting time or sweating the small stuff. Yes, minimalism is making a comeback, and we are here for it! This concept centers on living intentionally by keeping only the essentials and discarding anything excess. However, it is actually far more than that. Being intentional also means making conscious choices with your time, money and energy.

Minimalism can take all sorts of forms and sizes. More than just decluttering, it’s a state of mind. As students, we know it can get overwhelming out here. This makes minimalism all the more relevant today. So, how can you integrate it into your daily life? Let’s explore practical ways to get started.

Physical space

Lara Jean sits up from the floor, the background is set in her messy room. — *Via Tenor*

Minimalism starts when you open your eyes in the morning. Your dorm room or apartment is the first place you see. This makes this space an essential part of your everyday living. Keeping it tidy is the trick to boost your productivity and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. The key places to start? Your study desk and closet!

An organized workspace is all you need to ensure your study desk is more appealing than your bed. As much as possible, keep this space free from unnecessary trinkets—time to toss out that pile of old assignments! Less physical distractions can equate to more focused studying sessions for you.

Next stop: the closet. Fashion trends come and go. That’s why building a minimalist wardrobe focusing on versatility and high-quality pieces can be more sustainable than keeping up with fast-fashion trends. Keep the basics and rethink the clothes you haven’t worn in months. It may be time to donate that outfit you keep saying was for special occasions.

Digital life

Kim Kardashian laying on a couch while scrolling through her phone. — *Via Tenor*

The physical space isn’t the only place that needs decluttering — there’s also the digital space. With endless information and constant connectivity, our digital lives can quickly become all-consuming. The good news? You have the power to control what media you consume. This is where minimalism comes in handy!

Minimalism calls for simplifying and sorting through your phone. Delete those unused apps you didn’t even know were downloaded. Also, ensure all the apps on your phone are intentional — meaning they are there as a means to an end. One of the ways you can do this is by grouping your apps into folders, such as:

‘I communicate’ — apps that help you stay connected with friends and family, such as messaging apps or video calling platforms.
‘I work’ — apps that enhance work productivity, such as project management tools and scheduler apps.
‘I save’ — apps that assist in managing your finances or helping you budget, such as banking apps, expense trackers or investment platforms.
‘I learn’ — apps that help your personal and professional growth, such as language learning apps, online course platforms or educational podcast portals.

Another way you can apply minimalism is by refining your social media habits. Unfollowing accounts that don’t add value to you can be a start to weed out content that’s cluttering your feed. Limiting your screen time or turning off notifications can also create a healthier relationship with technology.

Academic approach

A boy pretending to scoop the contents of his book with his hands and pouring it to his head. — *Via GIPHY*

Yes! Minimalism can also be practiced in your studies! The fundamental aspect is to simplify. Instead of hoarding notes and resources, focusing on key learning materials can make your study sessions more effective and stress-free. If you are a note taker, streamlining your notes into a digital notes app or notebook can be an easier route to decrease friction when studying.

Prioritizing meaningful events that align with your goals and working them towards your academic schedule also helps avoid spreading yourself too thin. However, it’s also important to note that being selective with your commitments is OK.

There’s power in saying no to extracurricular activities that can distract you from your study sessions. It’s perfectly fine to focus your energy on moments that are more meaningful to the dream life you are striving to create

Spending habits

A girl is holding shopping bags as she crosses a street. — *Via GIPHY*

Minimalism is also, if not mostly, directed at your spending habits. Shopping can be fun until you see too much stuff on your apartment floor. This makes conscious spending all the more relevant. Minimalism calls for avoiding impulse purchases by focusing on needs over wants.

Before buying a product that happens to have caught your eye, decide to buy it only after one week of thinking about it. If you still want it, then by all means splurge. Chances are, if it slipped your mind, you don’t really want it.

Social life and mental well-being

A group of three girls hugging each other lovingly. — *Via GIPHY*

The minimalist perspective can also take on your social life sphere. While a large group of friends sounds fun and social, a close-knit circle can be more rewarding. It provides greater comfort and can build more profound, more meaningful relationships in the long run.

When we say meaningful relationships, this also goes to yourself. That also means spending time on activities that nurture your social connections while cultivating your sense of self. After all, being a person for others is more fulfilling when pouring from a full cup.

Less clutter, more focus!

Taylor Swift sweeping in a yellow brick road. The gif text reads, "And I keep my side of the street clean." — *Via GIPHY*

Going back to the most basic in all areas of life can truly be transformative. It goes to show that minimalism isn’t just an art — it’s a way of living that shows you how little you actually need. By simplifying, you create space to focus on what matters, leading to a more intentional and fulfilling life.

When things seem too much, embracing the simple can be the solution you never knew you needed. There is beauty in having less. That means focusing more on what you already have rather than wanting more. And that’s what life is all about—the appreciation of the present and the joy of simplicity.

What area of your life are you down to pursue minimalism in? Share your thoughts with us @shareignite!

Feature image courtesy of Leone Venter via Unsplash.

Less is definitely more! Discover fun and simple ways to live sustainably on campus!