Week 3

Week 3: Mastering Time Management and Note-Taking

College life can get busy fast. Between classes, work, family responsibilities, and social life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why strong time management and note-taking skills are essential—not just for staying on track with your courses, but also for reducing stress and finding balance.

What is Time Management?

Time management is the ability to coordinate your tasks effectively so you can get more done in less time. It’s about working smarter, not harder. With competing priorities, developing a personal system that helps you stay organized and focused is key to success.

Time Management Tips

• Use a Planner or Calendar: Write down assignment deadlines, class schedules, and important dates. Cross them off as you complete them—it keeps you organized and motivated.

• Stick to a Routine: Set aside consistent times for homework, self-care, extracurriculars, and downtime. Scheduling your days helps build habits that support your goals.

• Know Your Style: Some students thrive on to-do lists, others use apps, timers, or color-coded calendars. Experiment to find what works best for you.

• Prioritize Tasks: Tackle your most important or challenging tasks early. Break large assignments into smaller parts and get started early to avoid last-minute stress.

• Set Time Limits: Assign specific blocks of time to each task, and take short breaks in between to stay energized.

• Be Realistic: Spread your work out over several days. Even short daily study sessions can make a big impact over time.

• Remove Distractions: Put your phone aside and find a quiet, focused space to work.

• Ask for Help: Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed. Professors, academic counselors, advisors, and support staff are here to help you succeed.
  
  

Campus Resources to Support You

• Counseling Department: College is not just about academics—it’s about your overall well-being. Our Counseling team offers free and confidential support for managing stress, navigating challenges, and developing healthy habits. They can also help you explore your strengths, interests, and educational or career goals.

• First Year Experience (FYE) Course: If you’re enrolled in FYE, you’ll get practical strategies for time management, study skills, and more. This course is designed to help new students build a strong foundation for success in college and beyond.

• Learning Commons: Located in the Fannin Library, the Learning Commons is your go-to spot for academic support. Need help with time management, study strategies, or note-taking? Drop in or make an appointment with a tutor. They also offer workshops, one-on-one sessions, and peer guidance on a range of skills.
  
  

Note-Taking Strategies

Effective note-taking helps you absorb and retain information so you don’t have to re-learn it later. One tried-and-true method is the Cornell Note-Taking System, which divides your page into three sections:

• Key points on the left

• Detailed notes on the right

• Summary at the bottom

This structure helps you quickly identify what’s important and makes review time more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself time to recharge—it’s just as important as checking things off your to-do list. Life can be busy, but by stepping back, taking a deep breath, and tackling one task at a time, you can stay in control and make meaningful progress.

You don’t have to do it all alone. Your instructors, support services, and peers are all here to help. You’ve got this!