As a college student, balancing the many different obligations that life requires can be difficult to handle; not only can they be difficult to handle, but they are also time consuming. One of the many things students need to learn to do is how to manage their time effectively. This can be a big issue, especially for first-time college students. They usually have a hard time with time management because, in the past, their workload may not have been as intense as it currently is. Before, a little procrastination may not have been a serious offense. Extra down time may have been available. Also, the course load in high school may not have been as intense -- especially since the courses are stretched over a 36-week period as opposed to the 15-16 weeks that the typical college semester is. Essentially, upon entering your traditional community college, four-year college/university, one is doing the same amount of work in half the time, so the workload is literally doubled. Here are a few tips that college students, first timers and veterans alike, could use about time and management:
1. Turn off your phone
When trying to do homework or studying, it is easy to get distracted with your phone constantly going off with alerts from text messages, social media, etc. The temptation to pick up your phone and talk, text, and browse social networks is also distracting. By turning off your phone, you will reduce the temptation to use your phone.
2. Time to block EVERYTHING!
A very effective method to manage not only your time, but also your workload. It is a very simple concept, but not many people do it. Set a specific time when you check your emails and respond back to them. Do homework for separate classes in time blocks. This way you're distributing time evenly, relatively speaking. A focused six hours is better than a scattered 12. Make a schedule and stick with it.
3. Start earlier
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. No more procrastinating. Start your day earlier. You'd be surprised how much you could achieve before 12 p.m. Instead of lying in bed until 10 a.m., wake up at 7 a.m., eat breakfast, and start your day. You'll be more in control of your day this way.
4. Learn to say "no"
Being able to turn down tempting offers is essential to being successful. Friends texting you to go to a party or just hanging out might be slightly more fun than reading and writing a summary for chapter seven of your textbook, but doing the latter will benefit you more in the long run. Your parents did send you to college to have fun.
5. Set expectations
Most importantly, set high but realistic expectations for yourself. And not just for yourself, but set high expectations of what others expect from you too. For example, if you tell someone that you'll call or email, give them a 48-hour window instead of 24, and do it early. This way you are setting expectations that you are timely but still keeping yourself flexible for unforeseen circumstances. Also, this will heighten your credibility.
I know you're thinking that everyone needs this advice, and you won't be the exception. Honestly, many people don't practice what is being said; but those that do will see their fruits of their labor pay off substantially.
