Workshops and Outreach Groups

Topics: Time Management

Time Management

If you're new at having to manage your time, here are a few basic tips that you should keep in mind:

1. First, take about 10 minutes each day to plan your day. This could be at the beginning of the day, or at the end of the day to plan for the next one.
2. List everything you need to do today.
3. Decide which things on your list are the most important and which are the least important. (See Prioritizing if you have difficulty with this).
4. Set a starting time AS WELL AS a deadline time for each of your projects. Look at each of the syllabi for your classes and make note of the due-dates for papers, projects, and tests. Work backwards from the due-date and figure out what you need to do each week in order to complete the assignment on time. Write down the steps that you need to take, then get started on the first one! (See Procrastination for more tips related to this one).
5. Account for how you spend each day: hour-by-hour. Buy a calendar or pick up copies of a weekly activity log in Counseling Services. Write down when your classes are scheduled, when you eat and sleep, and when you go to your job. Make sure you include travel time to class and to work. Fill in study time. Make time for family, friends, and having a social life. Click here for assistance with creating a time-use chart.
6. Plan enough time for studying. See Studying Smarter.
7. Try to study at the same time each day. Setting aside the time -- scheduling it into your calendar -- will help you get into the habit of studying.
8. Make use of the "free" time you have during the day. You can review class material immediately after class or while you're between classes. Plan to study during the periods you have between classes.
9. Leave some unscheduled time for flexibility. Students frequently over-schedule their time and then panic when they have too much to do.
10. Make sure you plan time for FUN! "All work and no play..." makes for a very imbalanced life! Recreational, social, and spiritual activities are rejuvenating and stress-reducing. Make sure you leave time in your schedule for these stress busters!