How to Manage Your Time at College

Many college students find themselves in an unnecessary hurry every time a project is due or need to study for a test, simply because they don’t have enough time. But they were able to manage or organize their time; there would not be as much stress on them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calender
• organizer
• different colored writing utensils

1. Identify what takes up most of your time that could use less. Maybe you watch 2 or 3 hours of television everyday. Use the time that you spend waiting; bring materials with you on the bus, to the laundry mat, or even work on your studies while a commercial is on during your favorite show.

2. Purchase a calendar and/or an organizer. Keep activities color coordinated. For a calendar, you could separate colors for school, work and social events like clubs and church. For an organizer, you could color coordinate each class through out the day.

3. Make a daily list of things that need to be done, and what you want to do. Prioritize the list by making the most important or difficult activities first. You will have enough time to look for help than if you do the most difficult last. This is where the hand held organizer comes in; keep the organizer with you in your book bag or purse, and you will always have your to do list with you.

4. Set aside time for studying, and make it the same time everyday. The recommended time of studying is 2 hours outside of class for every hour in class. Also to make this time more effective, be sure to study in places where you know you won’t get distracted easily. I recommend that you get your studies out of the way as soon as you can so the evening can be yours for other events on campus.

5. Determine how much time you want to have just for yourself or with your friends. Then set aside time slots everyday for you to have social interaction. Having time to relax is key because you need breaks from working your brain long and hard. Also, friendships and fun times are a great way to get to know your campus and the community that surrounds it.

6. Be flexible; sometimes things will come up, and it may alter your schedule. If you need to have help on a project and your mentor or partner can’t help during the time you had slotted for that project, relax. Switch your events around, or recreate your schedule. But always keep your time organized, and don’t let it fly by.

7. Be realistic, there are only 24 hours in a day and you NEED to sleep. You need to remember the passing time it takes to go from class to class on campus.

8. Some professionals suggest that you set your watch ahead 10 minutes. This is so you will never be late, but rather early which allows more time for each activity.

Tips & Warnings

• Sleep during appropriate hours
• stay organized
• Too much organization could end social interaction.