Learning Center

Time Management Strategies

Many students find their first few weeks of college confusing and frustrating. Even the potential "A" student from high school will discover that college is full of challenging experiences. Or, perhaps you are a "seasoned" university student with too many things on your plate. You're finding it difficult to manage all of your responsibilities and still have some personal time. To help you keep things straight, here are a few time management tips. . . .

Long Term Goals are things that you would like to accomplish during the next few years or beyond.Short Term Goals are the stepping stones to long term goals. They help you think about what you need to accomplish in order to reach your long term goals. Setting short term goals (i.e. passing your class with a "B" or better) gives you the motivation to keep working toward that long term goal. Immediate Goals are a series of practical steps you can take in order to achieve your short term and long term goals. As a college student, you should attend all your classes, do the required assignments, and schedule study time each week. Take time out at the beginning of each day to set your immediate and daily/weekly short term goals (i.e., to-do list). By meeting your immediate and short term goals, you'll be well on your way toward achieving your long term goals.

Using Your Study Time Effectively

Choose the best place to study for you so you can concentrate on your work, avoiding distractions and procrastination. Create an office at home just for studying with all the equipment you will need, including a comfortable chair, a desk, a good lamp, paper, and writing utensils.The library is also a good place to study since it provides you with a variety of quiet study areas, excellent resources and very few distractions.Identify your peak concentration times during the day. When are you most alert and able to concentrate? Are you most alert in the morning, the afternoon, or the evening? Tackle your most difficult assignments and subjects during peak concentration times, and leave other mechanical or routine tasks that require less concentration for times when you are less alert. For example, you could copy your lab report, do your laundry, or check your e-mail when you are not at your peak.

1. A Master Schedule helps you schedule time and activities for one semester.
   • Step One: organize class times, lab times, and any other fixed-time activities
   • Step Two: organize your work schedule, commuting time, and extra-curricular activities
   • Step Three: organize house chores, sleeping, eating, and leisure activities, anything that operates on a flexible schedule
2. A Detailed Weekly Schedule includes specific times for studying particular subjects and completing homework assignments for each course, as well as meetings, appointments, etc.3. An Assignment-Oriented Weekly Schedule helps you estimate your study time and assignment due dates.Keep in mind that, in order to properly prepare for college and be effective as a student, you should incorporate a variety of study methods into your daily routine.  Your schedules and goals should also be systematic and realistic, making them easier to follow and achieve. For a schedule of our Time Management workshops, or to view time management videos, gather sample schedules, have a tutor help you get started on your new time management system, or collect more time management information, stop by the Learning Center.