Study Skills: Time Management

Time is finite. There are only 24 hours in a day. To be a successful student, you will need to manage your time effectively. Here are a few time management ideas!

Set Goals, both long-term and short-term

Determine when you work best and schedule the important things during those times

Create a To-Do List - write down everything and check off tasks you have finished

Prioritize the improtant stuff

Use your technology for good! - time-saving apps, reminders, alarms, calendars

Identify Time-Wasters and minimize them or schedule them

Tackle small tasks first

Do one thing at a time - research shows that multitasking does not increase productivity

Establish and stick to a routine

Use your breaks wisely

Take time for yourself - but not too much time

Delegate tasks that you don't have to complete yourself

Create limits - know when to say no to activities that will distract you from what you need to do

Keep up, and if possible, stay ahead

Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again

Break up large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks

Use the "waiting times" for good

When you start to be unproductive at a task, switch to another task

Don't procrastinate on the difficult projects and tasks

Be flexible

Ask for help

Whether it's a paper calendar or an electronic version, a calendar will help you keep track of upcoming life events and assignments.  Schedule everything you want to prioritize and stick to it!  Here are a few calendar ideas:

Have a Semester or Term Calendar

At the beginning of a new semester, be sure to record the following:

• Assignments with their due dates
• Tests
• School activities
• Extra-curricular activities

Schedule your week

• Block out your class times
• Add in assignments, tests, and events for the week
• Block out time for studying, writing papers, and working on assignments
• Review your schedule from the previous week to see if any of the items on the schedule are carrying over into the current week

Schedule your days the night before

• Write down items from the previous week that you need to complete
• Write down items from the previous day that you need to complete
• Make sure your classes and activities for the day are blocked out

Start with the big-picture and then work down to the details.  Be sure you are scheduling time for self-care, such as sleep, meals, exercise, etc.