Most students find that their greatest challenge in adjusting to college life and to succeeding in the classroom is in managing their time effectively. Time management is something that should be learned before a child becomes an adult. However, it can still be learnt as an adult student, in fact no better time. Want to know why? That’s because time management is important to academic success. Every student learns this sooner or later.
Also, the best students are not necessarily those who are brilliant, but those who use their time effectively. There are 24 hours in every day and that is the same for everyone. Because no student has more time than another, sometimes good time management can make all the difference in achieving great exam results and generally, can make time your friend instead of your enemy.
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Time management is an important skill. Once you have mastered this skill, you can get the most out of life. It can free you to live more effectively, calmly and enjoyably. It can help you get more done with less stress, disorganization and frustration. It can also give you higher marks throughout the school year, as well as on your quizzes, tests, and exams because with more managed time comes better preparation.
Think about it. Have you ever heard of a soccer player, even one who is paid millions of dollars a year, playing in a game without showing up for practice? Have you heard of a musician delivering a concert without taking time daily to rehearse? Have you heard of a scientist proclaiming a grand discovery without hundreds of failed trials? All these professionals know that in order to succeed in their professional areas, they have to put in TIME.
Unfortunately, millions of students around the world behave otherwise. They write exams unprepared fully expecting magical results. Without making adequate time to study, they hope to get the highest grades and are then disappointed or ashamed when the results prove otherwise.
Frankly, in today’s highly competitive world, if you are lucky enough to be in school, college, or university, you are holding a coveted spot, desired by many. You may have deprived another eager young person from getting admission, because your application appeared more promising, more likely to succeed. So after all the effort to get in, what are you doing about it?
Once you make the decision, there are a number of time management tips you can use to make studying work for you:
1. Switch off your phone!
These days, your books compete with the attention you give to scrolling on social media with your touchscreen smartphone. Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that your smartphone is useful for your learning process as that may be your calendar, calculator, dictionary etc. So how do you cope?
Set up a time devoted only to studying or homework. Switch off your phone and respond to calls or texts when your work is finished. Don’t check email or surf the Web (except when you need to for the work you’re doing) during this time either.
2. Plan your time logically
Remember, when it comes to study, a realistic timetable is really important. Get to know your bodily cycle; then, schedule activities around it as much as possible. If you always feel sleepy after lunch, for example, use the time to get in your daily walk, instead of fighting to keep your eyes open over a history book.
Figure out how much time you usually spend on your activities and then create a weekly schedule to follow. Determine how much free time you have before you add any commitments. And don’t forget to schedule time to relax.
A timetable which is too demanding will cause stress for you and work will pile up before you know it. So keep it simple and plan according to the time you have available – make sure you don’t overload yourself. You will become a better, more productive student as a result.
3. Study at the same time each day so that it becomes a habit.
Create a daily routine where you study in one place at a particular time of the day. Set the number of hours too. It could be about 4 -5 hours each day. What is important is that study becomes the centerpiece of your day and the continuous element in your work week. Do not wait for exam-time to study. Exams offer the opportunity to refine what you know and to sharpen your communication skills.
4. Review after each class
In order to be stable with the lessons taught, review or revise the lessons immediately once the teacher leaves the class. When such a revision is done, it fixes the taught lesson in mind and never forgets. Don’t avoid certain classes because they are difficult or of less interest. It is always difficult to catch up with the rest of the class and this might end up affecting you negatively.
5. Always carry a pocket note/jotter
When you find yourself having some free time like waiting for bus, sitting in a bus, salon calls, in a free period, walking, jogging and more, these chances can be assumed as opportunities and a review of your subject can be run over. That way, if you find yourself with extra time—while on the bus or waiting for an appointment—you can get something done.
6. Quit procrastinating
Without a date, you’ll procrastinate. Whenever you get an assignment, set a goal for when you’re going to start it so you can finish without a last minute panic. Get rid of anything that distracts you and allows you to procrastinate from your work. While you are studying or writing, turn off your phone’s ringtones and vibrations and put it in a drawer where you won’t be tempted to answer calls and messages. Allow yourself to check your phone only once per hour. Get off Facebook, Messenger, Youtube and other distractions. Save them for when you are relaxing.
7. Have enough hours for sleep
A good night’s sleep is essential to make sure your body and mind is rested and fresh for the next day. It can be hard to concentrate if you didn’t get 6 to 7 hours of sleep in the night before. Pulling an all-nighter studying is less productive then consistent study. Manage your time better by including sleep in the schedule.
8. Treat yourself for keeping to schedules
You need to treat yourself when you do the right thing. Take a few minutes out of every hour to take a break and do something you enjoy, like go for a walk or watch some TV. The break will also allow your brain to relax and be more productive when you return. However, whatever you do, make sure you don’t overindulge until you have completed your tasks.
