Time Management in College

As a college student, you’ll have the freedom to determine your own schedule. You’ll also be responsible for your actions. There will be no one to tell you WHEN to go to class or WHEN to get started on that 10-page report. You’ll need to make sure you know how to schedule your time properly.

Below are ten tips to get to you well on your way to time management success:

1. Get a Calender—and write things down. Whether it’s online, on your new iPhone, or with a hard copy calendar, you won’t know what you need to do and when unless you document and schedule all of your classes, study sessions, activities, work and other obligations.
2. Work backwards. After you receive a syllabus from each of your classes, study it closely. Know what is expected. (A 20-page paper? A mid-term and a final?) Work backwards to plan your strategy and enter study, research and writing dates on your calendar.
3. Know your priorities. Plan your day the night before and set mini goals for yourself (e.g., “Today I will review 2 chapters of history”). If you’re having trouble in a particular subject, allow for extra study time and/or a meeting with your professor.
4. Don’t overdo it. You’ll soon learn how much more time you’ll need for your studies compared to high school. You might find that you can’t successfully take 18 credits and work 15 hours a week. See if you can cut back on your work hours, and, if you must work, take fewer credits next semester. Avoid burn-out by finding that healthy balance between work, studies, and social life.
5. Take charge of your time. Learn to say “no.” You don’t need to turn down every invitation to join friends, but don’t over schedule yourself either… especially when you have major studying to do.
6. Set a time to study. Set a time each day to study…and stick to it. The earlier you can establish strong study habits and a regular routine, the better off you will be.
7. Concentrate on one thing at a time. If you are going to study biology, study biology. Don’t get caught in the trap of catching up with biology, starting on an English paper, and texting your friends all at the same time. Multi-tasking doesn’t always work in college!
8. Plan time for YOU. College can be so much fun—new friends, activities, social events and even all the learning. However, don’t forget to set aside some time for yourself. You’re working hard and you deserve it!
9. Be realistic. It will take a little time to learn how to juggle your classes and new social life. Even while paying attention to your schedule, you may not get everything done. Take a step back and ask yourself why. Have you signed up for too many extracurricular activities? Are you spending too much time socializing? Take another look at your calendar and make adjustments until you find the right balance.
10. Finally, if you are still struggling with your new found independence, talk to your RA, advisor, or a professor to get help with study tips and managing your time.