Max Fardanesh is a junior on the UC Irvine men's tennis team. He was a key member of the 2025 squad that won their second-straight Big West Championship. Fardanesh went 12-3 in dual-match singles and was unbeaten against conference opponents, going 5-0 during the regular season and 3-0 in the tournament where he did not drop a set. He was recognized for his effort with All-Big West honors in singles.
The Albany, California, native also excelled in the classroom as he was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team and garnered ITA Scholar-Athlete distinction. In addition, he made the Big West Commissioner's Honor Roll with Highest Honors (3.51-4.00 GPA).
As the new school year gets underway, Fardanesh provides some of his best study tips for his fellow student-athletes.
1. Get ahead and stay ahead
The quarter system can catch up on all of us quickly. It is so easy to fall behind, and once you're behind, it can feel like you're just trying to tread water for the rest of the quarter. That's why it's a good idea to finish your assignments a couple days before they're due. One trick is to pretend that everything is due 3 days before their actual due date.
2. Plan out a studying routine
Sometimes, it's hard to pick up the laptop or textbook and start studying. A simple way to hold yourself accountable is by utilizing a calendar and blocking out times for studying. Planning ahead will reduce stress and help you stay on top of your classes.
3. Prioritize your sleep
Sleep is not only important for your mental and physical health, but it can have a big impact on your academic performance. Getting 8 hours of quality sleep will help you show up energized and focused the next day. As college students, it can be difficult to keep a consistent sleep schedule, but prioritizing it will pay off.
4. Stay fueled up and hydrated
Have you ever gone straight from practice to class without eating? It's not a great feeling. Make sure you're eating nutritious food throughout the day, especially before and after practice. Take advantage of the nutrition room when you're in a rush. And keep a water bottle with you throughout the day.
5. Get to know your professors
With our schedules, we will inevitably have to miss class for travel and competition. Building relationships with your professors early helps them understand your situation and shows that you care about their class. Office hours are a great place to start.
6. Find a productive place to study
You want to make the most of the time that you carve out for studying, and the best way to do this is by finding a place where you can focus. This could be the library, another spot on campus, or your apartment. The key is making it a routine.
7. Don't forget to have fun
Between practices, classes, and everything else, college life can get overwhelming. We all need some time to unwind and do things that we enjoy. Check in with yourself every once in a while and make sure you're keeping a healthy balance in your academic, athletic, and social life. College goes by quickly, and these years are meant to be fun. Enjoy it!
