Time Management Tips for Students

College can be a stressful time for many students and time management can be one of the most crucial skills to master. Attending classes, studying for exams, making friends, and taking time to relax and decompress can quickly fill up your schedule. If you often find yourself wishing there were more hours in the day, this guide will offer time management tips for students so you can accomplish what you need to get done, have fun with your friends, and gain back some valuable time for yourself.

1. Create a Calendar: Don’t be caught by surprise by an important paper due two days from now or a dinner with your family the same night you planned for a group study session. Keep your calendar in a place where you can see it every day, such as in your planner or on your wall above your desk.

2. Set Reminders: After you’ve created your calendar, give yourself periodic reminders to stay on track such as to complete a study guide in advance or schedule a meeting for a group project. Make sure you’ve allotted enough time to study for that big test or write that final paper.

3. Build a Personalized Schedule: Each person’s day-to-day is different and unique to them, so make sure your schedule works for you. Consider your personal rhythm and plan your activities accordingly.

4. Use Tools That Work For You: Just like your calendar and schedule, the tools you use to keep you organized should be the right fit for you. Explore what best suits your needs with planners, scheduling apps, and note-taking tools.

5. Prioritize: Sometimes there really is too much to do with too little time. In these instances, take just a few minutes to evaluate your priorities. Consider which deadlines are most urgent, as well as how much energy you have. If you are struggling to fit everything in your schedule, consider what you can postpone or what you can simply say no to.