I had a job, was in a sorority along with several on-campus clubs, and cheered allstar my freshman year of college. It was a good life lesson for me that taught me how to prioritize my time and my activities in general. Through that first year, I kind of realized that there's a lot more to life than cheerleading and that it was time to grow up and move on. I dropped cheerleading and picked up a minor.. now working on a double major in school. Now I concentrate on my studies, sorority, & clubs during the school year, and do UCA staff during the summer.. all with a worlds ring on my finger! It's the balance that works for me, and you may find your own balance after your first year!!
My advice? Try it & stick it out through your first year even when it gets tough. If you find it's too much, then there are other opportunities to stay involved with cheerleading over the summer, weekends, or winter breaks. Don't let the fear of failing make you miss out completely!!! Plenty of athletes cheer college, allstar, and still have time for their work.. everyone's story is different!