Time Management and Students

One of the most important, and often overlooked, skills any student can acquire is good time management. Most students soon learn that there never seems to be enough time in the day. Being able to properly manage time can make or break a semester. If handled well, good time management can also cut down on much of the stress that goes along with being a student and meeting deadlines.

There are many techniques regarding time management but what it really comes down to is considering your priorities and making the correct choices about how to spend your time.

The first thing you need to do is get organized. Invest in a school planner and/or calendar. Make sure that it has plenty of space to record assignments, make lists, and set appointments. Examine your planner each day, taking note of assignments that are due and any appointments or other tasks you need to attend to.

When you have large assignments and tasks, you should break them down into smaller, manageable parts. If you are writing a large term paper, break it down into sections, and make an outline detailing your plan of progress. This would include finding a topic, researching the topic, gathering sources, reading, and taking notes. Follow this up by writing an outline for the actual paper, writing the rough draft, and revising the final draft.

You should also be setting realistic goals and deadlines for yourself regarding major assignments. Make sure that you are not putting yourself in situations where you cannot meet your deadlines, this will only add to stress and make tasks more difficult to complete.

Now you need to prioritize your lists and tasks. Look at the big picture and determine what areas need the most time spent on them, and identify projects that don't need as much time and attention. Consider factors such as when an assignment is due, the level of difficulty, and how it will affect your final grade. Now list all these tasks from most important to least important, and begin to work on them.

Remember to be flexible. Be prepared for unexpected interruptions in your schedule. Accept the fact that certain things may happen that could require you to rearrange your list of priorities. Always be willing to ask for help when it is needed and available, it is alright to seek assistance.

Finally, be able to say "No." The biggest mistake many people make is taking on more than they are equipped to handle. Human nature causes us to always want to say "Yes," and attempt to make everyone happy. Make sure you are making the right choice when you agree to take on additional activities such as extra courses, jobs, and other extracurriculars.

By becoming proficient at time management, students can accomplish much more with less stress, as well as have enough time for social activites that make college life more than one big study session.

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