- Read your syllabus for all of your classes carefully and make note of the important due dates, midterms, group projects, and finals. Also make note of important academic resources to get support if and when you need it.
- Enter these dates on your calendar (phone calendar, google calendar, paper calendar, planner, etc); this should be the calendar that you see most often and can easily refer to. Also add important dates like holidays, registration dates, and personal events/appointments.
- Use a time management grid; make a copy or download this sheet and fill in how you spend your time between class, homework, job, exercise, activities, down time, etc. What patterns do you notice? How many hours are you spending on each type of activity? Do you need to make any changes in order to manage your time better?
- Pomodoro Technique: break up your studying or projects into smaller chunks of time of productivity! This helps to keep you focused for shorter periods of time and allots time for breaks.
- Plan ahead: how long will it take you to study or complete an assignment? Set aside time on your calendar to do it, and stick to it. Give yourself enough time to add more if needed. This is especially important if you are also working at a job or have family obligations and have to balance your time.
- Find the right environment to be productive; considering we are still sheltering in place, this may be a challenge, so do your best to find a space where you can focus and not be distracted. If needed, try talking to your family members about respecting your space while you’re in virtual class, studying, or doing assignments.
- Find the right time to be productive; when do you feel the most alert and motivated to do work? For some people it’s first thing in the morning, for others it’s late at night, and for others it’s in the middle of the day. Identify this time and stick with it.
- Get involved with student orgs and activities outside of classes (if your schedule around classes and work time allows); it may sound counter-intuitive, but filling your schedule with other fun/social activities and programs can help you be more disciplined about your time management.
- There’s an app for that! Try using an app that can help you plan your to-do items and balance your time.
- Take care of yourself. We are living in really difficult times, yet every day that you spend in school is one more day closer to your degree and achieving your goals. This is a long-term plan, so it is important to take care of yourself along the way. Whether you take short breaks throughout the day, or dedicate a day for self-care to recharge, find what works best for you.