Starting university is an exciting and transformative time in a student's life. With new academic responsibilities, social opportunities, and the need for self-care, it's important to develop practical time management skills to maintain a healthy balance. Here are some tips that I found to help me, and I hope to help you, too!

1. Prioritise and Set Goals

Begin each week by identifying your top priorities and setting realistic goals. Allocate dedicated time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and preparing for exams. By establishing clear objectives, you can stay focused and efficiently use your time. One thing I picked up from one of the many YouTube videos I’ve forced myself to endure as if it would magically make me into a revision machine was something called “ Minimum Maximum.” this means that as you look at your prelecture tasks or trying to slot in revision time- try and assess what time it usually takes you, and make sure to be honest. For me, one of my classes has SO much reading and often, the lecture is on the work we have done independently; for me, this class takes around 3 hours of work before the class - essentially, my minimum amount of time (3 hours) to achieve maximum results. In another instance, one of my lectures doesn’t give me reading to do before my lecture but instead wants me to come up with answers to some of the questions from what we believe is the right answer, with no reading. This, for me, takes around 10 minutes of thinking time and then 15 minutes to write up my answers. For this case, my minimum would be 25 minutes to receive maximum reward. This method seriously helped me when I discovered it, so finding out what your minimum maximums are for your lectures may be a good thing to keep note of.

2. Create a Schedule - kind of…

When I first started university, I scheduled EVERYTHING. i wouldn’t have been surprised if I started scheduling water breaks… it got extreme!! During exam season and busy weeks, knowing you’ve got a massive schedule you feel you have to stick to is just so much added pressure!! Now, I take a much more relaxed approach and only schedule what is truly necessary! I use the calendar app on my phone to take note and use this as my one form of the calendar - before, I had one for every class, which allowed me to jampack it because it didn’t look that much. Now, when I see I’ve got a lot on, I give myself a little rest- if I see I have a 9-5 academic day, I’d probably not choose to have a 3-hour study session, have food and then go straight back to revising as I did before. Not scheduling everything allows me the freedom to make quick plans with my friends whilst also not overwhelming me with the amount of work. Of course, make sure you have time to do your 'minimum maximum’s’ as I mentioned before but know you are allowed to have a break once in a while… especially if that involves a sweet treat.

3. Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks

Large projects or assignments can feel overwhelming if tackled all at once. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. One method I prefer to use is the 50-minute study - 10-minute break! Sometimes, I’m so in the zone that I go over the 50 minutes, but I ALWAYS make time for breaks! During that time, I often come up with new ideas, and I’m not in constant essay writing mode - even coming back to my essay after the ten minutes, I can often see the glaring errors and spelling mistakes I missed while in the zone.

4. Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination can be a major obstacle to effective time management. Sometimes, all you want to do is lie in your bed and be ignorant of the creeping deadlines- honestly, I understand!! One thing I found helped me is to study in a different environment - nothing makes you work harder than being on the silent levels of the library and seeing people with lectures and equations on the screens you’re sure are from an alien language!! Surround yourself in an environment that allows you to focus and work at your best; some of the best places I’ve found are the Library (upper levels), JMS (quiet floor), local cafes and booking rooms on campus to study in!

5. Seek Support and Collaboration

As the biggest introvert around, the word Collaboration sends shivers down my spine… to me, working collaboratively is sitting with my best friend, eating caramel shortbread and tiffin (not my choice) and people-watching whilst doing … absolutely nothing. For me, I tend to work best in small groups or on my own HOWEVER, establishing times where you’ll book a room or find a table and inviting people to come and work together does help… especially when you’re doing the same course, working on the same piece of work or are good at motivating each other! Collaborating with classmates can enhance your learning experience and help you manage your workload more effectively. Use university resources such as tutoring services, writing centres, and academic advisors to support your academic success further - they do help, I promise!

6. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, sufficient sleep, and healthy eating. Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and socialising with friends. Remember, a well-rested and rejuvenated mind is more productive and focused.

7. Learn to Say No

While it's important to seize opportunities and engage in social activities, it's equally important to know your limits. Don't overcommit yourself or feel obligated to participate in every event or social gathering; I can guarantee there will be five more like it down the line … even when the event looks great, turning up to a 9 a.m. lecture the next day with a total of 2 hours is definitely not the best … definitely not speaking from experience. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritise activities that align with your goals and values. You've got this !!

8. Reflect and Adjust

As much as these strategies work for me, knowing they might not work for you is equally important. Regularly assess your time management strategies and reflect on what works best. University life is a continuous learning experience, and finding a balance that suits your individual needs may require experimentation and adaptation. Remember, finding a healthy balance is essential for your overall well-being and success during your university journey. Embrace the opportunities, enjoy your social life, and prioritise self-care while excelling academically. Good luck!

 

First published: 27 October 2023

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First appeared on Unibuddy.