College can be a stressful time, which is why it is important to utilize the top time management tips for students. Being able to manage your time better can help improve your stress levels and your quality of work. So, what are some time management hacks for college students?
1. Write Down Your Goals
Setting goals for yourself is the first step in learning time management. What do you want to work towards? What do you have to do to reach your goals? Goals can be both short- and long-term, from finishing the research paper two days before it’s due, to graduating. Write them down and keep them somewhere you can always see them. Put them on your bathroom mirror, your notebooks, or on a corkboard with inspirational quotes, dreams and goals.
2. Create a To-Do List
Creating a to-do list will ensure you have everything that needs to get done right in front of you. Be sure to put the tasks in order of most important to least important, so you can get the important things done first.
3. Complete the Most Important Tasks First
Look at your to-do list and your calendar and identify two to three tasks that are the most important and do them first. Once you’re finished with those, your day is already a success. You will feel accomplished and ready to tackle the easier, smaller items on that list.
4. Use a Calendar
Utilizing a calendar is one of the most important student time management tips. Putting deadlines for assignments, class times and other important dates in your calendar will ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Use the calendar on your phone, a physical calendar or both.
5. Commit to Regular Study Sessions
Studying on a regular basis helps the information that you are learning in class stick with you. Whether you choose to do some reading, make flash cards or rewrite your notes, you can feel good knowing your time isn’t going to waste. Plus, just think how much easier studying for the next exam will be.
6. Create a Routine
Having a routine can help you be a more successful student. Going to bed around the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning is not only important for managing your time, but also your health. Setting aside certain times of the day to study and do homework is vital to be a successful student.
7. Don’t Procrastinate
After a long day of classes and work, you may want to relax and put off your studying or homework for another day. This is bad habit to create because it could lead to homework piling up and becoming an overwhelming amount of work ahead of you. Set aside time each day for your homework and get it taken care of now, rather than later.
8. Organization is Key
Organizing your classes into separate sections will help you keep track of assignments and studying. Having a separate notebook, folder and binder for each class will help you find assignments and notes quicker. Keep your study space tidy so you can find things easily – this will prevent a lot of stress.
9. Don’t Multitask
Multitasking may seem like a good ideawhen you have a busy schedule, but it is not. When you multitask, your brain is focused on too many things at once and you will not absorb information as well as you normally would. Focus your attention on one thing at a time, finish that task, and move on to the next item.
10. Take Care of Your Body and Health
Taking care of your body and health is essential. You will be more focused and have greater energy. By eating a balanced diet of protein, fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of sleep, and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise in per day will help you become a more well-rounded student. Adequate sleep at night can increase alertness and decrease stress levels.
These top 10 time management tips for students will become useful when you have a lot to do and don’t know where to start. Thinking about getting back into school? Contact FNU at 305-821-3333 for more information on our programs.
