Using Time Wisely Time Is of the Essence

Using Time Wisely

Time Is of the Essence Use a planner. Planning will relieve stress. Using a planner leaves less room for error. Keeping track. If you plan out each day, you will know how the different pieces of your college life fit together. With more planning comes more time. The more time you take to plan, the more free time you’ll have.

Quick Tip Relax and Recharge Use your free time to rejuvenate yourself. Take time to relax and care for your health. Recharging your battery frequently will make it easier for you to successfully juggle your college life.

Time Is of the Essence (continued) Choose your planner wisely. Types of planners Web-based organizers Paper calendars or bound planners Planning apps on Smartphones and i. Pads Schedule details of your daily life. Academic life Work responsibilities Extracurricular activities Personal life

Time Is of the Essence (continued) Add assignment and test details. Most instructors distribute a syllabus. Add information about assignment due dates, test date, office hours, and any other relevant information to your planner for each course. Make a study plan. Write down what day you will begin assignments and what day you will start studying for tests. Mapping out an assignment and study plan can mean the difference between rushed and quality work.

Quick Tip Make Yourself a Priority Add mealtimes, exercise plans, and sleep goals to your planner. Doing so can help motivate you to take better care of yourself.

Incorporate your To. Do List in your Planner

Quick Tip Sound the Alarm Online calendars, such as Google Calendar, can be synched with your phone or other technology devices. That way you’ll always have your calendar at your fingertips and can use built-in tools, such as alarm reminders, to help you remember when to go to class, what to prepare for class, when to complete assignments and study for tests, instructors’ office hours, meeting times, sports practice, social events, and so on.

Battling Procrastination Why do you procrastinate? Challenging or confusing academic material. Lack of interest in topics you’re studying. Other activities or tasks are more fun. You’re overwhelmed by the amount of work. Distractions, such as technology, occupy much of your time.

Battling Procrastination (continued) What can you do about procrastination? Tackle challenging assignments first. Build in rewards. Include both academic and fun activities. Break your work into chunks. Work in intervals and take breaks. Use a to-do list. Prioritize your list. Determine what must get done.

5 Ways Smart Students Combat Procrastination 1. Schedule study dates with a classmate to keep each other on task. 2. Move to a different location when your room or home becomes too much of a distraction. 3. Set Smartphone alarms to remind you to get working. 4. Give friends permission to point out when you’re procrastinating. 5. Block out a few 30 -minute chunks to enjoy Facebook and respond to e-mail rather than checking throughout the day.

Quick Tip Expect the Unexpected If you need to, be ready to rework your to-do list and assignment schedule throughout the day. Move whatever didn’t get done to another day so that you don’t forget to complete these tasks. If you are flexible in updating your schedule, you will be prepared to deal with any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Finding a Balance Always start with academics. You must schedule time to work on academics every day. Your schedule will lead the way. Using a planner will give you a better sense of what you can add to your life and what you might need to cut back on. Your planner will be invaluable as you assess what you can and cannot handle.

Finding a Balance (continued) All work and no play isn’t a good solution. When you’re assessing your daily and weekly schedule, be sure to carve out some time for fun, relaxation, physical activity, and a meaningful hobby or passion. Be flexible. You may need to adjust your schedule as your circumstances change.