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Time Management

Time management is key to being a successful college student. As a student you could be juggling class, work, family, social life, etc. To be able to do all of this and still succeed in your classes you will need to effectively manage your time. Below are some suggestions:

  1. Create to-do lists – Each day make a list of the things you need to do. Then prioritize the list between must and wants. Then prioritize the musts. Having a to-do list helps you stay focused on your goals for the day.
  2. Stay organized! – Being organized is a HUGE timesaver
    1. Get everything ready for the next day before you go to bed.
    2. Use a planner or tracker of some sort to keep track of tests, work schedules, appointments, classes, etc.
  3. Create multiple schedules
    1. Daily Schedule – Plan out each hour of your day that will help you follow your to-do list.
    2. Plan your week – At the beginning of each week take time to list what has to be done, then place major projects or must haves on your daily schedules.
  4. Create a routine – Routines are comfortable and they help us stay focused and get to where we need to be.
  5. Identify “chunks of times” that are wasted – Do you have a ½ or 2 hour bus or Trax commute? Use the time to study. Do you have space between your classes? These spaces are great times to find a quiet spot on campus and study.
  6. Don’t procrastinate! – It’s a waste of time and energy. Stay organized and get things done when they need to be done.
    1. Stick to your to-do list.
    2. Do assignments for the courses you dislike first.
    3. Work on assignments directly after class while the material is fresh on your mind.
    4. Work ahead of assignments whenever possible.
  7. Combine tasks – Study while you’re doing laundry or commuting, review notes while waiting in lines.
  8. Schedule 30 – 60 minute study sessions – Block time out on your calendar, planner, to-do list to study, treat it as class time.  Don’t do anything else during this time. Turn your phone off and completely focus on your study time.
  9. Schedule breaks – Your productivity and focus generally drops after an hour, so it’s important to take breaks, go for a walk, get a snack, etc and return to your work re-energized.

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