Whether you’re in your first, second, or third year of university (or beyond!), you’re probably finding that things are starting to ramp up. With inductions and freshers parties feeling further and further behind you, you’ll probably be looking at your year ahead, and wondering how to manage your time effectively while you’re at university.
While some people look like they’re gifted with the art of ‘winging it’, learning how to manage your time as a student has many benefits. By keeping on top of your time management from early on in your uni journey you will be able to make the most of your experience. Some of the key benefits of managing your time effectively are;
– Being able to enjoy more social events,
– Feeling able to juggle your studying with part time work,
– Above all, feeling less stressed and more in control of your degree!
Top tips for managing your time effectively while studying
1. Write out your timetable
Having your timetable stored in your phone is a great way to have it to hand at all times. However, creating a physical copy of your commitments at the beginning of each week can help reinforce them in your mind and create a visual reminder.
Try writing out your timetable on your whiteboard (if your room has one), or pinning a version up on your pin board. Add in your lectures, seminars, labs, and assignment deadlines, as well as any club and society commitments and social events so you have a complete view of your week ahead!
2. Stick to your plans
Now you’ve written out your timetable, try and stick to your plans and commitments. You don’t have to be completely rigid and never make time for something spontaneous but, if you’ve had to move an important revision or study session, make sure you’ve got somewhere in your calendar to move it to.
As much as we sometimes wish otherwise… that complicated assignment isn’t going to go away!
3. Don’t over-commit
There’s a huge number of activities on offer at university, and it can be tempting to sign yourself up to absolutely everything that catches your eye!
Think about which activities really matter the most to you, and you get the most value out of. You shouldn’t be over-stretching yourself, as this can mean you stop enjoying even the things you LOVE doing! Be kind to yourself and ensure you’re giving yourself enough time to practice some self-care and have some downtime.
4. Avoid doing assignments at the last minute
We know that this one is easier said than done and, while it’s true that some people do work best under pressure, if doing all-nighters in the library is going to cause you stress and anxiety, make sure you’re completing your assignments well ahead of their deadlines!
If you can, try and make time for assignments to be completed around a week before they’re due. This way, you’ll reduce pressure and stress at the final countdown, and will also have some wiggle room for if something comes up that you’d like to move your study session for.
5. Find out when you’re most productive
For many people at university, they’re likely to have the most flexible schedule they’ll ever experience. Use this opportunity to find out whether you’re a morning or evening person and work out the times you’re most productive and alert!
Okay, so that 9am seminar might be unavoidable, and your student radio show or sports practice might not start till 8pm but try and make sure you’re getting your rest when it works best for you. Whether you find it easiest to write essays first thing in the morning, or simply can’t focus until night comes, try and make your schedule work for you!
What do do if your struggling with time management?
Sometimes, taking on time management tips aren’t quite enough for tackling your uni workload and social commitments. If you’re finding that you’re consistently struggling with time management and being able to focus, remember there are always support services out there, such as through your university or your GP.
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