Blog Post

10 Tips for Time Management

Published
April 10, 2023

As a university student, you have a lot on your plate, from attending lectures, completing assignments, studying for exams, and maintaining a social life. It can be overwhelming to manage your time effectively, but with some tried and true strategies, you can be in control of your schedule and achieve your goals [1, 2]. Here is our list of 10 tips:

  1. The Big Picture: Start by taking a big picture look at your semester. Keep track of important deadlines, assignments, and exams by using a semester calendar. This will help you to stay organized and help to make sure you won't miss any important deadlines.
  2. Plan Your Day: Use that same calendar or digital tool to plan your day. Block time for attending class, lab, and meetings. Also block time for study, extracurriculars, social events and sleep. Review your schedule regularly to make sure you're on track and adjust your plan as needed.
  3. Set Clear and Achievable Goals: When setting goals, make sure they are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) [1]. Ensure that your goals align with your priorities and values.
  4. Break Tasks into Smaller Pieces: When facing a big project or assignment, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks [3]. Set deadlines for each task and find a way to hold yourself accountable (e.g., find an ally or friend to support you).
  5. Eliminate Distractions: Identify the things that distract you the most, such as social media, and limit your use of them by turning off your phone and putting it out of sight. Try studying in a quiet, distraction-free environment such as a library. Use apps or browser extensions that block distracting websites during study sessions.
  6. Take Breaks: Regular breaks are important to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Take short breaks every hour or so and use this time to stretch, eat a snack or go for a walk. Regular breaks can help you maintain energy levels and improve productivity.
  7. Prioritize Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is important for effective time management [4]. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly to maintain your physical and mental health. Set aside time for relaxation, hobbies, or other activities that make you happy and help you recharge.
  8. Use Your Time Wisely: Identify your most productive hours when you're most alert and use that time for studying or completing important tasks. Use waiting time, such as commuting or waiting in line, to review notes or listen to recorded lectures. Make use of technology, such as online resources or study apps, to maximize your learning time.
  9. Avoid Procrastination: Procrastination can be a major time waster and a source of stress [5]. For tips on how to manage procrastination, see our blog post.
  10. Ask for Help: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help can save you time. If you're struggling with a specific subject, consider joining a study group or sign up for tutoring. If you are looking for accountability, make an appointment with an Academic Success Coach at the Learning Center.

References:

[1] Adams, R. V., and Blair, E. (2019). Impact of Time Management Behaviors on Undergraduate Engineering Students’ Performance. SAGE Open.

[2] Aeon, B., Faber, A., and Panaccio, A. (2020). Does time management work? A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 16(1).

[3] Wilson, R., Joiner, K., and Abbasi, A. (2021). Improving students’ performance with time management skills. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice, 18(4).

[4] Claessens, B., and Van Eerde, W., Rutte, C., and Roe, R. (2007). A review of the time management literature. Personnel Review, 36(2), 255-276.

[5] Clear, J. (2018). Atomic habits: An easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones. Penguin.