First years and even seniors in college have trouble with time management skills because let's be honest who wants to sit at a desk and get schoolwork done when you could be having a blast going out with friends? However, being successful in college is about finding that happy balance between academics and social happiness. And time management skills do not just come at once there is a lot of trial and error involved in figuring out what works best for you.
Start Early
Sounds ridiculous but start your assignments early, make your binders pretty before school starts, skim the syllabi before the first day and it will make everything a lot easier. But that also means get up 15 minutes earlier than you ABSOLUTELY have to. This will give you time to sit and think and just absorb what you need to do today. You will feel calmer about your day and ready to take on the day.
2. Get a Planner
Some people love planners, or google calendar; others find them tedious and annoying but WRITE STUFF DOWN. It will help. Whether it be in a planner or on a whiteboard or in your google calendar. When things are written down you are more likely to remember the tasks and completely them well by a reasonable deadline. It doesn't have to be anything fancy and will take 30 seconds of your day.
3. Set Deadlines
Yes our professors will give us a deadline for when a paper or project is due and will tell us when our test is going to be but it is important to set deadlines for yourself. Write that paper a day before it is due so you have time to reread and edit before handing it in. You will feel more relaxed while writing and editing and you won't feel rushed or panicky.
4. Prioritize
We are people, we aren't magical and cannot do everything at once. Prioritize your assignments. Plan out when you need to study for things a week in advance. The most important work needs to be done first. I find that making a simple list on a sticky note each day has a huge effect. I can prioritize assignments and goals and cross them off when they.
5. Take Breaks
This kind of follows with prioritize but it is really important to schedule yourself breaks, otherwise your brain will basically fry and you won't produce your best work. If you are studying for a test, study for 20 minutes then take a break, breathe, relax for 10 minutes before starting again. If writing a paper or doing a huge assignment work for no more than an hour before take a 15 to 20-minute break. This allows your brain and body to relax and refocus on the task at hand.
6. Avoid Stress
This is honestly the most important aspect of this article and just life in general. Stress not only harms your work, but your mental and physical health as well. You are more likely to become ill if you are highly stressed, You are more easily irritated and upset when under high amounts of stress. So find the best way to relieve that stress and do it EVERYDAY, even if just for 10 minutes. It could be a quick run, or reading a fun book, or painting or just laughing with friends. DO IT.
7. It's Okay To Say No!
So many people find it difficult to say no when another task or option is presented to them because they do not want to hurt their friends feelings or upset their boss but it is important and necessary to be able to say no. If you have too much on your plate and need to get some work done, say no. Take a reign check. Honestly people are going to be more happy that you were honest with them as opposed to doing a crappy job or being miserable the entire time.
Make this year more fun by creating a plan to better your time management skills so you can go out and enjoy that much needed time with your friends. The hard work and effort you put in today will certainly pay off tomorrow.
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