Every person has about 168 hours to spend doing different things each week. That’s enough time to get your work done if you can learn how to manage your time effectively. Here are some suggestions to help you do so:
1. Make a scheduleThe first step of time management is to get a clear idea of what is expected of you throughout the term. During the first week of classes, fully investigate each course you are taking in order to figure out attendance and class requirements. Find out exactly what you need to do and when you need to do it.
If at any time you are unsure about the requirements for a course, ask the professor for more information after class. Keep in mind that the responsibility is yours. Distance students should read the entire course syllabus so they are aware of the course design. Make sure that you have contact information so you can stay in touch with your professor, especially if you have questions. Ensure that you have access to everything you need to do your assignments, such as a VCR and computer.
When you are clear about what you have to do,
create a term schedule. This helps you see the entire term in one glance so there won’t be any surprises. Make sure that you add holidays and other special events, so you know exactly how much time you have to complete each task.
When all of the expectations are in front of you, break down larger goals into smaller tasks. The best way to organize smaller goals is with a weekly time schedule. Student planners are available in the University corner store and bookstore; prices start as low as $4. On your weekly schedule, list your fixed commitments first, such as classes and job hours. Then schedule time for study and leisure. Estimating how much time to allow for each task may be difficult at first, but the more you do it the easier it’ll become. It’s a good idea to overestimate the time it will take to do things until you get the hang of it.
Be sure to allow flexibility in your schedule and set realistic goals. If your schedule is too detailed, you may set yourself up for failure. Always make room for living because you need food, sleep and fun (pretty much in that order!). These activities are necessary for your physical and mental wellness, so they’ll help save you time in the long run.
Make a daily “to do” list to remind you of your tasks. Put the items in order of importance and check each one off as you complete it. If you don’t get to one of the tasks that day, you should put it at the top of the next day’s list.
2. Be specific when writing your goalsDecide how many pages you want to read or how many problems you want to answer. Instead of writing “Read psychology” you could write “Read pages 22 to 32 in psychology.” This way when you sit down to study you won’t waste time trying to decide what to do. It also gives you clear starting and stopping times.
3. Study difficult or boring subjects first
Study what you don’t like first, then reward yourself by saving the subjects you like for later. You should also study difficult subjects when you are at your best. For most people, prime time is daytime (one hour of studying in the day is equal to one and a half at night). You should avoid studying two similar subjects one after the other.
4. Use waiting time Short blocks of time can be used for organization and review. For example, you could read while travelling on the bus.
5. Plan breaksMost people get their best work done if they work intensively for a reasonable period of time, then take a break or switch to studying something else. The typical schedule is 40 to 50 minutes of studying followed by a 10- to 15-minute break. Make sure that your breaks are brief so you don’t lose motivation.
6. Reward yourself
When you accomplish your goals for that day, reward yourself. If you use your time well when you’re studying, there will be enough time left over to have some fun. Be sure to plan quiet time before bed to help you unwind. It’s easier to make the shift from work to relaxation if you always study at your desk—the desk becomes a cue for work and the bed becomes a cue that it’s time to relax.