The transition from high school to university can be challenging at times as you need to learn how to work in a new, less-scheduled learning environment. If you wish you had more time in a day, learn time management skills so you can find extra time and reduce stress. By determining your time requirements and reducing distractions, you can plan a schedule that will help you succeed in college, while still having fun.
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Method 1 of 4: Creating a Schedule
Step 1. Look for a paper or digital calendar system
Before starting to make a schedule, you need to find a calendar system that allows you to record activities, both long and short term. It is important that you have only one calendar to store all the information for quick/easy reference.
- Digital calendars are very useful because they can be connected to a variety of electronic devices so you can access them whenever you need them.
- A calendar that has a monthly overview, along with weekly reports, is very useful for long and short-term planning.
Step 2. Draw a deadline for one semester
After getting the schedule for all the courses, add all the dues, exam dates, and assignments to the calendar. That way, you can find out which weeks or months are busy/busy and can make plans from the start.
If you know that there are three midterms in one week, tell the friend who took you on a weekend getaway that you can't leave until exam week is over
Step 3. Plan a weekly schedule
After mapping out a semester's schedule, you can plan a schedule to prepare yourself for important or busy times. Create a weekly priority list that includes daily homework assignments and major projects. You can break down large projects or tasks into smaller, more manageable parts so you don't get overwhelmed.
If you need to submit a research article at the end of the semester, for example, don't procrastinate until a week before the deadline! Take advantage of the weekly schedule that has been created to allocate time to search for resources in the library, as well as to create research outlines and rough drafts. If you think you need six weeks to complete the assignment, count down from the assignment submission date to see when you should start working on the assignment
Step 4. Create a daily task schedule
At the start of each week, set up or open a calendar and jot down a list of tasks that need to be completed each day. That way, you can find out how to complete the existing weekly tasks.
Prioritize daily tasks by marking them with labels such as SP (important), CP (moderately important), or B (regular)
Step 5. Set a reminder
It's easy for you to miss deadlines and forget about study sessions/hours. You are a student; There are lots of activities and tasks to keep in mind! Use your phone or online services to set daily, weekly, or special time reminders. You can also go the “old fashioned way” and stick note stickers in frequently seen places like your desk, door, or computer monitor.
Step 6. Break large tasks into smaller, easier-to-find parts
A 20-page research article or a 10-page math assignment can be difficult the first time you see it. Instead of feeling intimidated by a large task, break it down into a series of steps or small parts.
For example, if you are starting an article from scratch, schedule time on the first day to search for the topic. On the second day, outline the article, and on the third day, complete the outline. In the next four days, you can start doing research
Step 7. Set aside time for work
While working while studying can limit your study time, you can learn to manage your time by choosing a job that is flexible and allows you to keep working during the busy college weeks.
- Look for jobs that have flexible working hours, are online, or have multiple employees so you can switch time or work schedules.
- Ask ahead of time about taking time off during the month or busy times in the semester.
- Consider a job that allows you to work casual hours (eg not studying or attending lectures). For example, if you enjoy studying in the morning, take a part-time job at a restaurant in the afternoon or evening. If you are more comfortable studying at night, you can become a safety guard at the nearest swimming pool in the morning.
Step 8. Make time for sleep, eat a balanced diet, exercise, and rest
You are not a machine so don't try to learn constantly! Your mental and physical condition will determine your success in achieving your goals. Allocate enough time to sleep and don't feel guilty if you put in a schedule for fun.
In fact, making time for an exciting hobby helps you become more aware of time
Step 9. Schedule gifts
Have you just had a tough week of exams and assignments? Make sure you prepare yourself a reward for hard work in the previous month to deal with difficult or busy times.
You can use this gift as a motivational tool. If there's a movie you want to see in theaters, buy a ticket for that movie on a busy weekend
Step 10. Set aside room for flexibility
Anything can happen. You suddenly get sick, your family has an emergency, or you need to replace a friend at work. If you can apply flexibility in your weekly schedule, you can still complete your coursework while going through life's unpredictable circumstances.
Method 2 of 4: Reducing Distraction
Step 1. Identify the best time to study
The right method to reduce distraction is to schedule study time during focus hours. Do you often feel alert or “refreshed” at night? Or do you prefer to wake up early in the morning? Use your most productive hours to study.
If there is a course that you don't like, prioritize studying that course in focused or productive hours when you can concentrate fully
Step 2. Create a productive workspace for yourself
If you can work or study well with music, play music in the background instead of listening to it through headphones. If you don't like background noise or noise, buy headphones with a noise filter or find a quiet place (eg a library). Avoid rooms with strong odors, inadequate lighting, extreme temperatures, and overly comfortable (or less comfortable) chairs. If your mind is often distracted by social media, put your phone in your bag.
Experiment with different workplaces to find out which space or work environment suits you best
Step 3. Focus on one task at a time
Working on multiple tasks at once can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. You will lose time trying to do several tasks at once. In addition, you also cannot explore the material or courses being studied.
Step 4. Use the Pomodoro technique
This distraction-busting time management strategy requires you to work/study diligently in 25-minute intervals (known as “Pomodoro”), after which take short breaks. Take advantage of every allotted 25 minutes to study or work until the task is complete. The prize? After 4 allotments/study sessions for 25 minutes, you can rest longer (for 20-30 minutes).
There should be no distractions during a Pomodoro session! Remember that you only have 25 minutes! Surely you can get rid of or keep your phone away within that time, right?
Step 5. Take advantage of the remaining time between activities
Do you have a 20 minute break between each class? Instead of playing with your phone or taking a nap, open a note from the previous week and review the material you've already noted down.
Step 6. Avoid the internet during study hours
Don't use Instagram, Reddit, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. Accessing these social media sites will actually distract you and prolong study hours.
- Instead, use or access these sites during set breaks. To make it even better, schedule face-to-face meetings with the people you follow online!
- If you can't seem to stay away from social media, change your notification settings or ask a trusted friend to change the passwords for your accounts.
Step 7. Assign a custom study room
Studying in a place that makes you feel comfortable and sleepy (eg bed) is not the right thing to do. Instead, look for a place that has a desk, good lighting, and a few distractions.
If you live with a roommate who likes to chat, visit the campus library or study room in the dormitory
Method 3 of 4: Asking for Help
Step 1. Have a study group
At the beginning of the semester, make plans with some classmates to hold weekly study groups. Studying in groups can create a rewarding learning environment, and make study sessions more enjoyable.
Step 2. Find a writing partner
Do you have a big writing assignment? Find a friend who has a similar writing assignment and schedule a time to meet and write together. Even if you don't come from the same major, you can both benefit from having a shared schedule for writing and exchanging drafts.
Step 3. Set boundaries with friends and roommates
Tell your friends and roommates about your study time and ask them not to disturb you during your study time.
Take advantage of these easy steps to show your friends that you're busy. For example, you can put a “Do Not Disturb” or “Busy” sign on the bedroom door
Method 4 of 4: Evaluating Time
Step 1. Observe the time you spend in a week
Keep a journal to record the amount of time you spend on each activity in your daily life. If you record the time spent in the whole week, you can find out which activities dominate your daily routine.
Step 2. Group the activities into separate groups
Once you've determined the types of activities you usually do (and take up a lot of time), break them down into broad categories.
For example, you can create categories for academic, recreational, work, or social activities
Step 3. Prioritize needs
After assigning each category to the appropriate group, you need to decide which category to prioritize in life. Time management has to do with balance so spend more time on activities that are most important in achieving your desires or goals.
