Time management is an important skill to have as a college student and beyond. So, what is the best way to manage your time? A key to this is to stay organized. It is absolutely necessary to have a planner that you regularly fill out, check, and utilize in your day to day life. Falling into the trap of "I won't forget" is a slippery slope when you are managing several classes, extracurriculars, jobs, friends, family, and more.
Crafting Your Weekly Calendar
If you’re not sure how you can manage your time in college—don’t worry. It’s tough! Start by crafting a Weekly Calendar. This visual roadmap not only keeps you organized but also makes sure you’re taking care of yourself with sleep, meal times, and you time!
- Use our calendar template: SSI Comprehensive Calendar
- First, block off sleep time and meal times. Be sure to block yourself off for at least an hour at meal times and at least twice a day. You should also make sure you’re sleeping 6-8 hours per night.
- Next, add in all of your courses.
- Think about when you study the best and block off time for yourself to study, read your textbook, and complete your homework. The general rule is 2-3 hours of outside class work for every credit hour.
- For example, if you’re taking 15 hours of classes, then you should plan for 30-45 hours of outside-of-class work.
- Don’t forget to add in time for yourself to socialize with friends and time for yourself to recharge.
Weekly Check-In
Each week, dedicate an hour to administrative tasks to organize yourself and look at your time and task for the week. Do you have a big event for your student organization? Is there a large project that will take up a lot of time? Or is it a light week and you want to get ahead on studying? We encourage time blocking so that you have a visual of when you will do each task. This is a large part of task management.
"You Time" is Non-Negotiable
In the hustle and bustle, don't forget the most important person: You. Schedule "Me Time" on your calendar – whether it's a workout, a favorite hobby, or simply downtime. Remember, a well-rested mind is a productive mind. We recommend at least two hours for "me time" per day.
Embrace the Unpredictable
Every week in college is different than the one before. Flexibility is the key, so when the calendar isn’t perfect, it’s not your fault. The calendar is meant to be a tool, not a perfect snapshot of your life.
Mastering the Pomodoro Technique
Ever feel overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks? Enter the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that champions focus and productivity. The theory is that people work best during short, intense study sessions. Break your study sessions into 25-minute intervals (Pomodoros) followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoros, reward yourself with a more extended break.
Use this to get started on an assignment, break down a larger task into smaller pieces, build in breaks, or hold yourself accountable to a quick study session. (There are tons of free versions of this online - including ones with internet blockers!)
Why Embrace Time Management?
- Stress Reduction: A well-organized schedule minimizes last-minute cramming and reduces stress.
- Efficiency Boost: By allocating time wisely, you can achieve more with less effort.
- Life Balance: Juggling academics, social life, and personal time becomes a breeze.