Time Management
•After the first week of class prepare a term calendar. Get a large calendar that divides the term into months. Write in important dates such as due dates for major projects, assignments, papers, quizzes, mid-terms and final exams. Remember to include the value of each of these tasks - for example 30 per cent of your total mark. This term schedule will give you a visual overview of all the requirements for all your courses. Post the schedule in your study area so that you can review it regularly.
• Look ahead two or three weeks to see what assignments are coming up. If you have a major project due in that time, divide it into subtasks and plan to include some of those subtasks in your schedule for the upcoming week.
•Plan your time. Using a weekly planner with 30-minute or one-hour blocks. Specify in each block what task you are completing. This keeps you more accountable than a running “to-do” list.
•Prioritize. At the beginning of each week make a long list of all the things you should, want to, or have to do in the upcoming week. Refer to your term calendar. Go through the long list and prioritize your goals for the week. You could code your goals according to the following system:
A. Top Priority - must doB. Medium Priority - good but not essentialC. Low Priority - can survive without them
If you consider your academic work a full-time commitment, you should be giving priority to your studies, so going to class, studying, and working on assignments will be on your A list.
•If you are taking a full course load and are working more than 15 hours/week, you may find yourself overextended. Eventually, something will give. Either your studies will suffer or your job will suffer or you will suffer burn out. You have a choice - cut back on the number of hours you work or cut back on your course load. Be prepared to live with the consequences of your choice.
•Monitor your time management. Set aside time at the end of each week to reflect on how well your schedule worked. Ask yourself, “Am I studying when I said I would? Did I meet all my goals?” If so, organize your schedule for the upcoming week. If not, ask yourself, “Why didn’t I meet my goals?” •Did I set unrealistic goals? •Did I waste time on trivial matters? •Did I procrastinate and not do the tasks I said I would?
Studying
•In general you should allot two hours of study time to every one hour of lecture time. For example for a course with three hours of weekly lecture you should dedicate six hours of “study” time. Studying can include reviewing lecture notes, completing course readings and starting assignments.
•Schedule time for reviewing notes as soon as possible after a lecture, preferably within 24 hours.
•Work on your most difficult subjects during your peak energy times when your mind is fresh.
•In a long study session, build in time for short breaks. Get a feel for how long you can work before you need a break. You may need to work for shorter periods when you are doing something that requires a high level of concentration. When you take a break, do something that has a definite end. Don’t try to fool yourself into thinking that you will watch television or surf the Internet for a while; it is too easy to lose track of time this way.
Resources
•Familiarize yourself with the academic and student supports on campus. By becoming familiar with what is available, you will know where to go for help as soon as a problem arises. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, these services were especially designed for students - let them help you!
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