Time Management Tips

Managing class schedules, work, homework, extracurricular activities, and a social life can be a daunting job for a lot of students. The important thing to remember is to take notice, but not get overwhelmed. Resources are available on campus to help students.

Get a calendar and use it. Look at syllabi that you've received from your professors and mark each assignment, project and exam down for the entire semester.

Plan out your weeks. Schedule in times to study and/or work on class tasks on a weekly basis.

Schedule in time to do your own thing. You cannot study and work 24/7. Make sure that you are being good to yourself. Schedule time where you can take a walk, read a fun book, see a movie, or play some games with friends.  Relax and unwind a bit.  This will maximize your study ability by providing a necessary recharge!

Write everything down. Don't assume you will remember. 

If it's broken, then fix it! Trouble studying in your room, then another place is needed. Failed that first test, a new plan is needed. Learning effective study habits is a process and the process takes time. You'll need to tweak your study habits for each class. It is wise to do this throughout the semester.

Maximize your time. Work on the task that you are working on and only that task. Turn off the cell phone and tune out all the other distractions. It is also important to take periodic breaks. If you try to work for hours at a time, then you won't retain as much information.

Give yourself healthy rewards. You want to make a positive association with the work that you are doing. If you like coffee, then give yourself a much deserved coffee break after an exam. Associate that reward with your effort and hard work.

Avoid the pitfalls. The number one pitfall is feeling bad about poor performance.  You will likely encounter setbacks during your college career. Those setbacks are better viewed as opportunity to improve your skill set. A poor grade on an exam, don't dwell on the grade, but look at where you might have done better in studying and preparing.

Seek help early. There are tutors and a multitude of other resources waiting to assist you.

Plan ahead and expect the unexpected. You want your schedule to be flexible enough for you to have extra time if you need it. Build in extra 'cushions' of time. Plan that tasks will take longer than you think. Time saved or extra time will seem like a reward, if you finish early.

Adapted from: https://www.sdsmt.edu/Campus-Life/Student-Support/Counseling/Academic-Problems-and-Skills/?msclkid=22063b89b03111ecbe97ab00cfeeee2e#TimeManagement