if you want I can start looking up low-cost/diy self-care resources like cheap bath bombs and stuff like that. Idk how much time/spoons you would have left over to get crafty, but since for me it's kinda soothing to dick around with my crafting supplies and getting myself fancy stuff... Just remember that the treat yoself mentality doesn't have to be super expensive! you can make a ton of things yourself with a little bit of time on your hands and sometimes the act of making something to pamper yourself with can be part of the self-care process too. What kind of stuff in that area would you be interested in? Basic sugar scrub I can do off the top of my head but idk if you are into harsh peeling stuff from a sensory thing. Otherwise I can go through my herb books for bath infusions and the like.
Personally, I take the minimum amount of credits because that's all I can handle. Back when I started out though, I took extra classes for the express purpose of dropping them if I started to get overwhelmed. Maybe that's something you can keep in mind? Since it costs the same to do 15 and 12, if you get overwhelmed, drop that extra class. (If this is bad advice because you wouldn't finish your major in time, or it does cost money to drop or something else, the feel free to ignore, it's just my personal strategy.) Also, it is very important to schedule free time for yourself! Three hours at the pool sounds nice. :) I tend to use clubs as my "allotted" free time. If I don't get any other free time that week because I have to work on stuff, that's fine because I have this free/fun time built in. My school also has student led courses that meet once a week and don't count for credit, but I use them to trick myself like "BUT THIS IS REQUIRED I have to have fun." Idk if other schools have that though.
it sounds like you already know this, but definitely take advantage of the free facilities/activities/stuff on campus! my college had free movies for students on friday nights, shown in the big lecture halls. also occasionally free concerts. i know those aren't necessarily self-care, but for me at least being broke is very depressing because you can't do anything, and having a reason to get out of the house for an activity can be self care by itself. if you're in college there will definitely be opportunities to do fun things for cheap or free, so definitely look out for those and take advantage!
