Effective time management will not only lead to success in achieving your goals, but also help you maintain your mental well-being. So, let’s learn more about it from the Ask a Tech Teacher team. Some of these tips you may already know, but others–never a bad time to save time.
10 Tips of Mastering Time Management as a Student
Introduction
Finding a proper balance between extracurricular activities, academics, social life, and personal interests can feel overwhelming.
And as human beings, most of us always want to make space for our loved ones too. However, unfortunately, we usually can’t achieve this because of not having enough time or not organizing our schedules properly. This is why effective time management is crucial for students.
It will not only lead to success and happiness in achieving your goals, but also help you maintain your mental well-being. So, let’s learn more about it.
1: Try Creating a Calendar
Avoid being taken off guard by a crucial assignment due in 48 hours (about 2 days) or a family dinner coinciding with your scheduled group study session.
Develop a schedule for yourself including all your upcoming deadlines, exams, social events and other commitments ahead of time to be prepared for what lies ahead.
Place your calendar somewhere visible, like in your planner or on the wall above your desk.
If you like using a digital calendar, be sure to look at it first thing daily to keep important events in your memory. As per an expert coursework service at Essay Tigers, if you want to improve efficiency, ensure it can be seamlessly integrated with your other tools, like email.
2: Set a Reminder
Once you have made your calendar, set up regular notifications to help you stay organized, like reminding yourself to finish a study guide early or arranging a group project meeting.
Understanding the overall importance of deadlines is crucial, but it is equally crucial to remain organized with the smaller tasks needed to meet those deadlines.
You have the option to schedule an alarm on your phone, jot it down in a physical planner, or set a reminder on your calendar. The reminders will ensure nothing gets overlooked on busy days.
Ensure that you have dedicated sufficient time to preparing for the important exam or completing the previous assignment. Effective time management involves preparing yourself for success in advance and equipping yourself with the necessary tools to confidently complete tasks.
3: Build a Proper Personalized Schedule
Every individual has a unique daily routine, so make sure that your timetable is suitable for your needs. After scheduling your regular commitments like classes and work shifts, make sure to include study sessions, extracurricular activities, chores, errands, and social events.
Take into account your own tempo. If you usually begin your day feeling energized, make sure to schedule your study or chores for that time.
If you experience a mid-afternoon slump, allow yourself to use that time to enjoy a guilt-free TV break or socialize with friends. Having a schedule that suits you can maximize your time.
Also, being aware of the specific day of the week for your laundry or intramural volleyball will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
4: Prioritize Your Tasks Efficiently
Sometimes, there are too many tasks to finish within a short time frame.
In times like these, be sure to take a few minutes to assess your most important responsibilities. Consider which deadlines are most urgent and consider your level of energy as well.
If you can complete simple tasks first, prioritize them over tasks requiring intense concentration. It could help alleviate stress by ticking off tasks from your list before feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re struggling to handle your schedule, consider what tasks you can postpone or turn down. If you really have to postpone a coffee date with friends to fit in one more study session before a challenging exam, they are likely to be understanding and encouraging.
5: Begin with Smaller Tasks and Break Up the Larger Ones
Feeling overwhelmed and discouraged is common when faced with a long list of tasks. Instead, you can choose to write it in a manner that will benefit you.
To expand on this idea, consider prioritizing simple and fundamental tasks at the beginning of your daily to-do list.
By finishing many little tasks, you gain traction and begin the day with a sense of achievement. If you have long tasks or assignments, break them down into smaller parts to complete in shorter increments of time throughout the week.
This way, you will be able to sustain your drive without getting stressed about the scale of the task and feeling lost about how to begin. Fundamentally, you are ensuring that tasks are managed rather than allowing them to consume your mind.
6: Say NO Where It’s Needed
Getting engaged is fantastic and can offer benefits like connecting with people, growing skills, and boosting your resume. As a student, you will likely receive many invitations to join various councils, after-school clubs, or take on extra shifts at your part-time job.
Nonetheless, you are not required to always conform.
Too much commitment can lead to poor time management. Spending all day on trivial tasks will leave you tired, annoyed, and distracted from important matters since there are only 24 hours in a day. It is important to balance responsibilities to effectively organize your time.
7: Set a Specific Time for Your Tasks
Establishing a scheduled time for studying or engaging in a hobby can greatly improve time management skills. Getting caught up in the moment and only doing tasks when they seem most enjoyable can become a negative routine to adopt.
If you intend to study between 2 pm and 5:30, then study between 2 pm and 5:30.
This time limit will aid in improving your concentration and boost efficiency. It also gives you the opportunity to watch your preferred show at 10:00 pm instead of focusing on studying as initially intended. After completing your commitments, you are free to do whatever you want.
8: Be Flexible and Realistic
At times, unexpected situations may arise, or you might not be able to complete all tasks you planned for in a day. Have patience with yourself when things don’t go as planned.
When creating your calendar, plan, and list of priorities, it is important to be practical about what you can achieve and add extra time if needed.
It can assist in minimizing barriers and potential conflicts.
Effective time management involves more than just adhering to a strict timetable; it also requires allowing room for flexibility.
9: Look for Support If Needed
Preparation and planning can only take you to a certain point sometimes. Fortunately, you have an abundance of individuals cheering for your success.
Stay focused by teaming up with a study buddy or accountability partner to keep you and your classmates on track. Notify your roommates when you require a room to focus on a paper.
The academic resource center at your school is available to guide you if you require extra help. Becoming organized requires teamwork, as it is impossible for one person to achieve alone.
10: Make Some Time for Fun
Time management encompasses more than just the completion of tasks.
Ensuring that you focus on yourself and your mental well-being is equally essential. Consistently making time for yourself in your schedule is essential for sustaining a healthy equilibrium in your mental health and overall quality of life.
Having something to look forward to can be advantageous when experiencing elevated levels of stress. Being able to participate in activities like cycling along the river, spending time with family and friends, or simply relaxing on a Sunday can foster feelings of peace and satisfaction.
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Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, CSTA presentation reviewer, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
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Thank you! I enjoy doing it.