Time Management
We’ve all got 24 hours a day. What will you do with your time?
What is Time Management?
According to Mindtools.com "Time management” is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between specific activities. Good time management enables you to work smarter – not harder – so that you get more done in less time, even when time is tight and pressures are high. Failing to manage your time damages your effectiveness and causes stress.
A good strategy to manage time is to set goals for yourself
EXAMPLES OF GOALS
Choose a major/career
Study 2 hours per day
Graduate
Transfer
Get dream job
Purchase a home
set short-term and long-term goals
MAKE SURE TO SET SMART GOALS
As a college student, what are your goals? Do you know specially what you would like to achieve, or do you have vague goals such as "doing well in class" or "raising my GPA"? Knowing how to set goals is an important skill for students and one that you will need in the working world. A useful goal-setting tool is the S.M.A.R.T model, which was initially developed by Peter Drucker in 1954 and has since been incorporated widely into the business world.
Student success is easier if you follow the SMART model of goal setting.
Managing Your time effectively
Consider your Schedule
✔Classes - how many hours do you have to spend for class?
✔ Studying - how many hours do you study per week?
✔ Work - how many hours do you work per week?
✔ Relaxation - this is key! make sure you schedule time for relaxation to rejuvenate.
✔ Play- Play is also important, this helps us to enjoy life more, there should be work and play!
✔ Family Commitments - Important family commitments are things to consider when aiming to manage your time.
Balancing School and Work
Try to follow the recommended course load below to be able to balance school and work more effectively.
IF YOU WORK_ HOURS PER WEEK .... YOU SHOULD TAKE _ UNITS PER SEMESTER
Use a calendar to stay on track
Calendar items
What should you include in your calendar?
Work Shifts
Class Times
Study Times
Commitments
Appointments
Fun and Relaxation
Important Dates
Exercise
Important dates include assignment due dates, exam dates, drop deadlines etc…
Be realistic about what you can get done!
There are electronic and paper calendar options
Calendar tips
•Use the ‘At-a-Glance’ feature to view the whole month for important dates.
•Use Weekly/Daily features to see the day’s details/to-do list.
•Include notes for your reference
•Set reminders/notifications
•Color code different categories:
Prioritize things that need to be done
✔ Reading
✔ Studying
✔ Research
✔ Assignments
✔ Doctor’s Appointment
✔ Grocery Shopping
Secondary
Watching a movie, social media, etc…
Time Management Goals
•Do the most difficult vital task first.
•Stay with the vital task until it is done.
•Accept 100% responsibility for communication.
•Prioritize daily activities / ‘to-do’ list.
•Go out of your comfort zone at least 3 times a day.
•Set deadlines for goals and tasks.
Helpful Video
This student has good tips on time management and staying organized with schoolwork. Writing all of the due dates of assignments and tests from your syllabus on your calendar is a great way to be reminded of important dates and deadlines! (starts at 3:49).
Do you know the Study Rule?
Weekly Commitment: Study two hours per unit enrolled in
2 Hours x Units Enrolled = Study Hours Per Week
Example: 2 hours X 12 units = 24 study hours per week
example
Make a good study plan
✔ List your present schedule for the week, including all fixed times (classes, work hours, travel time)
✔ Fill in the remaining hours each week with the number of hours you need to study
More Time Management/study Tips
Make a daily to-do list: Prioritize your homework, class assignments, and test preparation before anything else you do after class and work.
Pay very close attention to the instructor's syllabus and write down all assignments, tests, and quizzes in your calendar.
Study in 1-hour blocks: For example, study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. Use your best time of the day to study; when are you more alert? Morning, afternoon, or evening?
Use a regular study area: Your mind and body become trained to focus on studying when you use a consistent study area that is free from distractions.
Tackle difficult assignments or subjects first; they often require more time and energy.
Work ahead: Do an assignment a few days in advance rather than the night before. If something comes up (AND IT USUALLY DOES!), you will have your work done.
Learn to say "NO." Ask yourself, "will this cause me stress or divert my time and thinking away from what I want to accomplish this semester?" Don't let others' priorities become yours!
Remember, the goal is a healthy balance of work and play, a balance of short and long-term goals, and a balance of academic and personal goals.
HELPFUL HANDOUTS
Time Management Handout b.pdfTime Management.pdfWorkshop Quiz
Please note that you have to pass the quiz with a score of at least a ‘2’ to get credit for completing the online workshop.