Studying two majors — when is it worth it and how to embrace it?
More and more ambitious people are wondering whether it is possible to study two majors at once. The answer is yes! But it's a decision that changes everything — from your daily schedule to your social life. Before you take this step, it is worth checking out what it really entails. This article is a complete guide that will dispel your doubts and show you how to organize yourself so that you not only survive, but also get the most out of it.
Anna Godlewska
9/8/2025
Is it possible to study two courses at the same time?
Yes, studying two majors at once is formally possible and regulated by the Law on Higher Education and Science. In practice, this means that you have the green light to combine passions and build a unique professional profile. Keep in mind, however, that specific rules, e.g. regarding recruitment or organization of classes, depend on Regulations of a particular university. It is worth checking them at the source.
How many majors can you study at the same time?
Theoretically, Polish law does not specify the maximum number of courses that can be studied at the same time. In practice, the main limitation is your time, energy and financial issues. Keep in mind that while studying a second full-time major at a public university is usually free, so the third and each subsequent may already be associated with fees.
Is it better to study at one or two different universities?
It depends on your priorities. Studying at of one university it is often Easier logistics — one dean's office, one USOS system, fewer formalities and potentially easier planning. In turn, two different universities is access to unique educational offer, two different academic backgrounds and a wider network of contacts. However, it is associated with Greater organizational challenge e. g. commuting between campuses.
What are MISH or IOS Studios?
These are special forms of study created for people like you who want more.
MEAT (Interdepartmental Individual Studies in the Humanities/Mathematics and Natural Sciences) is ready program, which presupposes studying in an interdisciplinary way from the beginning. Under the supervision of a tutor, you create your own plan, choosing courses from different faculties.
IOS (Individual Study Organization) is “mode” that you can infer in most directions. It gives you more flexibility in matching your class schedule and setting credit deadlines, which is beneficial when reconciling the two plans.
When is it really worth going to two majors?
This is not the way for everyone. Before you make a decision, think about whether your motivation is strong enough. Such a choice makes the most sense when you see concrete benefits and are ready to make sacrifices.
What are the biggest advantages of studying two majors?
Unique set of competencies: Combining, for example, law and computer science, psychology and marketing or philology and management gives you a huge advantage in the labor market. You become a specialist in a niche that few have access to.
Increased professional flexibility: You have a plan B (and C!). If one career path turns out not for you, you will smoothly move on to another, having a solid foundation.
Wider horizons: You get to know two different environments, two ways of thinking and solve problems from different perspectives. A priceless lesson in creativity and analytical thinking.
What are the biggest disadvantages and risks of two majors at once?
Let's be honest — this is a challenge at the highest level.
Huge time load: Be prepared for the fact that your calendar will be filled to the brim. Two sessions, twice as many projects and readings.
Less time for social life and hobbies: Something for something. Often you will have to give up a party or meeting with friends in favor of learning.
Risk of fatigue and burnout: Constant pressure and lack of time to recover can lead to exhaustion. It is crucial to take care of rest.
Conflicts in class schedules: Overlapping mandatory exercises are classics of the genre. This is where IOS and good communication with lecturers come in handy.
How to reconcile two fields of study and not go crazy?
Now that you know what you're up for, it's time to get specific. Here are proven strategies to help you embrace it all.
How to effectively plan time with double the number of classes?
Good organization is 90% of success. Instead of reacting chaotically to successive dates, take control of your time, using proven tools and techniques. The key is planning ahead and iron discipline.
Tool / Technique
Ideal for...
Practical Tip
Google Calendar
Visualizing the entire week and combining plans from both majors in one place. Indispensable for keeping track of classes, tests, and exams.
Use colors! Assign one color to major A, a second to major B, and a third to your personal life. This allows you to assess your workload at a glance. Set double reminders (e.g., a day before and an hour before).
Pomodoro Technique
Maintaining maximum concentration in short, intense intervals and preventing burnout.
Work in 25-minute blocks (so-called pomodoros), followed by a 5-minute break. After four such cycles, take a longer break (15-30 minutes). Use a timer and allow no distractions during a pomodoro.
Notion / Trello
Creating a study command center. Gathering notes, links, syllabi, and tracking progress on large projects (e.g., term papers).
In Notion, create a semester homepage with links to subpages for each subject. In Trello, use a Kanban board (To Do, In Progress, Done) for each large task to see what stage you are at.
Time Blocking Method
Fighting procrastination and consciously allocating time to specific tasks. Instead of a to-do list, you have a concrete action plan in your calendar.
Be very specific. Instead of a "study" block, schedule "3:00-5:00 PM: work on 2 topics for the criminal law exam." Be sure to also schedule blocks for rest, sports, and meals – they are just as important!
The 2-Minute Rule
Preventing the accumulation of small, annoying tasks that together create a sense of chaos and overwhelm.
If you see a task (replying to an email, printing materials, signing up for a consultation) and you know it will take less than two minutes – do it immediately. Don't put it off for later.
Is it possible to study full-time and part-time at the same time?
Yes, this very popular and practical model. The combination of full-time studies (Monday-Friday) with part-time (weekends) allows you to distribute the load logically. This is often much easier to organize than two day courses, where class schedules can overlap nonstop.
How do you talk to teachers about your situation?
Be proactive, not reactive. At the beginning of the semester, approach the teachers (especially those from compulsory classes) and inform them about your situation. Explain that you are studying two majors and ask about the possibility of a flexible approach to attendance or deadlines (if you have IOS, this is your main argument). Lecturers usually appreciate such sincerity and ambition.
How do housing conditions help in studying two majors?
Housing conditions are crucial because they allow you to save the most important resource: your time and energy. When studying two majors, every minute is worth its weight in gold. That is why it is so important not to waste your strength on commuting, standing in queues for the washing machine or looking for a quiet place to study.
In StudentSpace you have everything in place. Private bathroom and kitchenette in the room they mean complete independence and a gigantic saving of time. Fast, reliable internet is an absolute staple with double the amount of online materials and classes. When you need maximum focus, you go to the zone work & chill. And after studying, you can instantly recover your strength on Gym located in the same building, without wasting precious minutes on the commute. Comfortable and safe environment allows fully concentrate on an ambitious goal, which is the completion of two courses.
Is this really the way for me?
Studying two majors is a marathon, not a sprint. Before submitting documents to the second college, answer yourself honestly 3 questions:
Am I ready for a much smaller amount of free time?
Can I manage myself, my work well and meet deadlines?
Is my motivation strong enough to survive crises and moments of self-doubt?
If your answer is a triple “yes” — act! This can be one of the best and most developing decisions of your life. Good luck
Head of Marketing at StudentSpace, lecturer at one of Warsaw's universities. For over 15 years, she has been designing and implementing marketing strategies for local and global brands. On the StudentSpace blog, she shares practical advice on choosing accommodation and planning study paths, helping students make informed decisions. Her posts combine expert marketing knowledge with authentic understanding of student life challenges, inspiring personal development at every stage of education.
