Learning time management is crucial for college students. Juggling school, work, studying, and a social life is no easy task. If you are a college student and feel that you are sinking further into a sea of “things to do” the following information will be helpful to you. The following are 20 time management tips that will help you make the most of your time.
Tip #1 – Make a commitment not to procrastinate. Procrastination will leave you stressed out. Do not wait until the last minute to do homework or study for a test. Make the commitment to begin early on things that you know you have to do.
Tip #2 – Set goals. Set goals daily and strive to reach them so that you know you can get things done.
Tip #3 – Pay attention in class. Showing up and paying attention in class will save you time studying. If you already know the information, you won’t have to study it.
Tip #4 – Organization is crucial. Keep your busy life organized. Know where your books and study materials are so that you don’t waste precious time searching for them.
Tip #5 – Keep a “to do” notebook. A small notebook for writing things down will ensure that you don’t miss important assignments or test dates.
Tip #6 – Believe in yourself. You won’t be able to effectively manage your time if you have given up on yourself already. Believe that you can get things done and you will.
Tip #7 – Prioritize your schedule. Work and school should always take priority over your social life. Get the things that are important done first and save the others for later.
Tip #8 – Realize your peak performance time. There will be certain times during the day when you study better. For some students, early mornings work well. For others, the evening time is a good time for studying. Figure out what works for your and use this time everyday to get studying done.
Tip #9 – Don’t make too many commitments. Avoid making commitments with friends if you know you have tons of work to do. Keep your schedule open to get the important things done first.
Tip #10 – Find a job where you can get some studying done. Some college students are forced to hold a job while in school. If you fall into this category, find a laid back job where you can get homework done while you work.
Tip #11 – Make sure your job is flexible. The job that you have must be willing to work with your school schedule. Each semester, your schedule will change. Is your boss willing to work with you on this?
Tip #12 – Learn to say no. If you are overly generous, this can greatly affect your time management. Learn to say no if someone needs your help and you have too much going on.
Tip #13 – Have a positive attitude. You attitude about school will greatly affect your time management skills. Are you committed to school or are you just there because someone else wants you to be. Have a willing attitude to get the work done.
Tip #14 – Make time for sleep. Realize that you can’t stay up all night and perform well on tests and other tasks. Be sure that you are scheduling in time for sleep.
Tip #15 – Find ways to relieve stress. School can be very stressful. Find ways to relieve stress such as taking a daily walk or committing to an exercise program. This will help you manage your time more effectively.
Tip #16 – Get a job on campus. There may be on campus jobs available for you to work at. This will save traveling time and will allow you more time for other activities.
Tip #17 – Be on time. Set your alarm clock so that you are not late for class. Being late for class will serve only to help you miss out on important information. Make a commitment to be on time at all times.
Tip #18- Keep track of the syllabus your professors give you. This is important information that you will need to help you get through the semester. Consider completing projects early to save time at the end of the semester.
Tip #19 – Keep your dorm room free from unwanted guest. Having people in and out of your home will greatly affect your ability to get things done. Let your friend know that you are studying at a specific time.
Tip #20 – Stay focused. Keep the ultimate goal of graduating in mind and stay focused on getting school work done.
Use the tips above to help you manage your time while in college. Avoid procrastinating and keep a positive attitude. Realize that this time in your life will pass and will soon become only a memory.