August 3, 2022
It is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to balance course work, extracurriculars, free time, and any other commitments you may have during university. These tips will help you manage your time:
Using a Calendar
- Use a calendar or agenda to keep a written record of your class schedule, due dates, and activities.
- Make daily or weekly to-do lists rather than relying on your short-term memory to keep track of what you need to get done, and check off items as you complete them.
Prioritizing
- Rank the items on your to-do list in terms of importance. Consider what is due first, but also the time it will take to complete.
- Some people work best when they get smaller tasks out of the way first, while others prefer to start with time-consuming work, leaving easy, quick tasks for the end of the day.
Scheduling Time
- Set out specific time for your tasks and stick to your plan. Time constraints will help you focus and be more productive within a set time.
- Be sure to leave time open for you to relax, and to do activities that you enjoy.
Saying No
- Over commitment can lead to poor time management.
- Learning to say no will help you find a balance between your commitments and time to relax, and keep you from tiring yourself out.
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References
“Top Time Management Tips for Students.” University of Waterloo, https://uwaterloo.ca/beyond-ideas/stories/tips-advice/5-time-management-tips-busy-students.
“Managing Your Time at University.” Queen’s University, http://sass.queensu.ca/time-management/.