Each day begins with familiar routines, from making coffee to getting ready for class. For college students balancing classes, work, friendships and other responsibilities, those small habits can provide a sense of comfort and consistency.
Daily routines can become more than tasks to complete. They can give students opportunities to slow down, reset and find meaning in ordinary moments.
Miah Baro, senior finance major, said her morning routine helps set the tone for the rest of her day.
“In the morning, I always start by making my bed, which is a way of telling myself, the day has officially started. After that, I typically like to make myself an iced vanilla latte, turn on some music and get ready. I usually make an iced vanilla latte because it tastes good and helps me ease into the morning in a way that feels slow and sweet rather than feeling rushed,” Baro said.
The routine also gives Baro time to feel more prepared and confident before starting the day.
“Following with some music, I’ll do my hair and makeup because it gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. I see it almost like a little form of art, while it’s fun to take the time to make myself feel put together while sipping on the latte I made prior,” Baro said.
The meaning behind routines is not always obvious at first. Repeated actions can begin to create structure and help people become more intentional about how they move through the day.
Dr. Sam Welbaum, associate professor of philosophy and director of the honors and philosophy programs, said routines can help people focus their attention and create meaning.
“What was the routine ritual that seemed inconsequential was actually a series of actions that were giving things meaning,” Welbaum said. “The importance of the ritual is that it helps focus your attention and mindset on something. Without it, things begin to feel very untethered.”
Daily habits can take many forms, from reading the Bible to preparing a favorite drink.
Alyssa Lockwood, senior behavioral science major, has built one of her favorite routines around the start of her morning.
“Every morning when I wake up, the first thing I look forward to is making my cup of coffee. My morning coffee routine is essential for me to have a good day. This simple delicacy has found a way to become a routine in my everyday life in the mornings, and is considerably something I could not live without,” Lockwood said.
While students often look ahead to weekends, breaks or new semesters, everyday routines can provide moments of consistency between larger milestones. Making coffee, getting ready in the morning or setting aside time for reflection can become meaningful parts of daily life.
Ordinary routines can also give students space to recognize fulfillment in the present instead of always looking toward what comes next. Those quiet moments can also become opportunities to reflect on faith, gratitude and the meaning found in everyday life.
