The Worst Habits of an Architecture Student

Being an architecture student is no easy feat. With demanding workloads, sleepless nights, and a constant race against deadlines, it’s easy to fall into habits that do more harm than good.

I’ll admit it—I’ve fallen victim to some of these “worst habits” myself.

But recognizing them is the first step to breaking the cycle.

Here are six habits to watch out for and why it’s worth making a conscious effort to avoid them.

1. Getting Used to Having Little to No Sleep

In architecture school, the phrase “the college that never sleeps” is more than just a stereotype—it’s a reality for many students.

But pulling all-nighters should never become your norm.

Sleep deprivation doesn’t just drain your energy; it affects your focus, creativity, and productivity.

Plus, relying on all-nighters often leads to procrastination because you assume you can always “make up time” later.

Here’s the truth: some students manage to get 8–9 hours of sleep and still excel. It’s all about working efficiently and prioritizing your tasks.

One thing that’s helped me is using a bullet journal to stay on top of deadlines and avoid last-minute cramming.

2. Relying on Caffeine to Function

Coffee and tea are staples for many students, especially during crunch time.

But over-reliance on caffeine can leave you jittery, unfocused, or even worse—burnt out.

Instead of reaching for another cup, try drinking water or taking a quick power nap. I’ve learned that nothing beats the natural energy boost from proper rest.

After all, being awake doesn’t always mean being productive.

3. Shutting Yourself Off From the World

It’s easy to fall into the cycle of eat, sleep, plate, repeat. But isolating yourself from family, friends, and hobbies can lead to burnout and impact your mental health.

I learned this lesson the hard way. In high school, a teacher once scolded me for sending homework at 3 a.m. instead of getting the sleep I needed.

That moment stuck with me, reminding me that school isn’t everything.

Make time for the things that matter—whether it’s celebrating a friend’s birthday or carving out a little “me time.”

A balanced life leads to better work and a happier you.

4. Neglecting Your Health

Skipping meals, losing sleep, and overworking yourself might feel like sacrifices you have to make—but they’re not sustainable.

Rest isn’t something you earn; it’s something you need.

What’s more, health is more than just physical—it includes mental, emotional, and social well-being too.

Take time to check in with yourself regularly: Are you eating well? Getting enough sleep? Maintaining connections with loved ones? It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

5. Leaving Things to the Last Minute

Procrastination is tempting, especially when you know you can pull off a decent plate in a short amount of time.

But not all projects are created equal. Some require more time for research, conceptualization, and revisions.

Doing things ahead of time not only relieves stress but also gives you room to make improvements.

I’ve found that tracking my progress in a bullet journal helps me stay accountable, even when I can’t finish every task perfectly.

6. Disregarding Non-Architecture Subjects

It’s common for architecture students to prioritize major subjects and brush off general education courses.

But those “minors” still matter—especially when you’re aiming for honors or trying to boost your overall GPA.

Dedicating even a small percentage of your time to these subjects can make a big difference. Balance is key, and every grade counts.

Final Thoughts

Architecture school is challenging, but it doesn’t have to take over your life.

By avoiding these worst habits and focusing on balance, you’ll set yourself up for success—both academically and personally.

Here’s a quick recap of habits to avoid:

• Getting used to having little to no sleep

• Relying on caffeine to function

• Shutting yourself off from the rest of the world

• Neglecting your health

• Leaving things to the last minute

• Disregarding non-architecture subjects

The key to breaking these habits is awareness and small, intentional changes.

Remember, architecture school is just one part of your life—not your whole life. Take care of yourself, and everything else will fall into place.

What are some habits you’re working to change? Let me know in the comments!