Time Management

Here are some tips to help you manage your semester:

Start to manage your time at the beginning of the semester
Organize the following information on a large calendar: Dues dates for assignments, midterms, exams, and other important dates
Set goals for yourself: such as grades that you would like to receive your courses, and what you expect to learn
Chunk your tasks. Break them down into smaller, more manageable jobs. (ie: Essay - Week One, Outline - Week Two, Research - Week Three, Rough Draft - Week Four and then the Final Copy)
Make a weekly schedule to indicate all the activities that you are involved in over the week (ie: class, study/homework time, practice, games, events, and work)
Plan time for yourself ie. leisure/recreations
Use a "to do" list when you have a lot to do in day
Set priorities: Which is the most important to complete? What will take the longest to complete?
Be flexible

Using Time Wisely

You might have all the time in the world, but if you don't use it wisely, it won't help you

to meet your goals. Procrastination is a problem for many students. The following are tips to help you deal with this issue:

1. Clear your schedule.

Don't overextend yourself. Recognize that your obligations and resulting stress are as important as other people's needs.

Set limits around being interrupted or rescheduling your work time to accommodate others. Omit or reschedule some of

your other obligations. You want to give full concentration to your studies without feeling guilty about what you're NOT

doing.

2. Get motivated.

Create a work area that is free from distractions and commit to staying there for at least one to two hours. If you get side-tracked, remind yourself how this activity will help you to meet your goals.

3. Prioritize.

What has to be done first? When is it due? What is worth more in terms of your grade? What is worth more in terms of your personal, educational, or career goals?

4. Make sure you understand the task. Ask questions. Get help if you need it.

5. Break down the task into chunks.

Estimate how much time you'll need to

complete the task. Don't try to do it all at one time. Break it down so that it's "doable" and not so overwhelming. Stay up-to-date on assignments to help avoid overload.

6. It doesn't have to be perfect.

Some people are so afraid that they won’t perform perfectly they won’t do anything at all. Make sure you understand the

expectations of your instructor. Then evaluate how important the task is and what level of performance is acceptable to you. Then just do it!

7. When you really hate it, try to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Work on this task first, while you have more energy. Reward yourself when you complete certain aspects of the task.

Study with a friend.