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17 Jan 2025
6 Min Read
Phoo Pwint 'Tylia' Thazin (Student Writer)
Discover how to manage time effectively with a well-structured schedule, focused productivity, balanced breaks, and more!
First off, congratulations on making it to college! The transition from high school to this next stage can feel like a big leap. Suddenly, you're in charge of your own time, and there's a lot more to juggle than you might have expected. Between lectures, assignments, social events, and maybe even a part-time job, college life can get pretty overwhelming. So, how do you do it all without losing your mind? The (not so) secret is time management!
In college, you're no longer told what to do or when to do it. While this freedom lets you plan your own schedule, it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Effective time management is key to staying organised and productive. By planning ahead, you'll feel less stressed about managing your workload and meeting deadlines and more confident balancing academics with other aspects of college life. Plus, you'll improve your performance in class, have more time for friends and hobbies, and truly enjoy your downtime, knowing your priorities are handled. Without it, though, things can easily spiral out of control.
The first step to better time management is setting up a system to track your tasks. Whether you prefer a digital calendar or a physical planner, make sure you have one central place to record everything. Digital tools like Google Calendar or apps like Microsoft To Do can help you stay organised and send reminders when something's due. But if you're more of a pen-and-paper person, a physical planner works just as well. The point is to get everything out of your head and down on paper (or your laptop or phone) so you can stop stressing about what you might be forgetting and focus on what's important.
Once you've got your calendar or planner set up, start filling it in. Block off time for your classes, assignments, and study sessions. Time blocking helps you avoid procrastination by scheduling specific times to focus on each task. This way, you can prevent scrambling to meet deadlines or last-minute cramming before exams.
Life doesn't stop at academics. College offers plenty of opportunities to get involved in extracurriculars, attend social events, or work part-time. Be sure to factor all these into your schedule. When planning study sessions, don't forget to include self-care, regular exercise, and time to unwind. Balance is key.
Photo credits: Todoist
If you're looking for a way to prioritise your tasks effectively, the Eisenhower Matrix is a game-changer. It divides tasks into four categories based on urgency and importance, helping you determine which tasks to focus on now and which to tackle later:
Many students struggle with procrastination, and distractions are often the biggest culprit! Whether it's your phone, noisy roommates, or the lure of social media, staying focused can be challenging. The first step to overcoming this is to create a distraction-free study environment: find a quiet space, silence notifications, and set the stage for focus. If you need extra help, apps like Forest can block distracting websites while you study. Trust me—you'll get more done when you eliminate distractions.
Photo credits: Breeze
If you find yourself putting things off, you can also try the Pomodoro Technique. The idea is simple: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After completing four rounds of this cycle, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. It's a great way to stay productive while giving your brain time to recharge.
We all know how easy it is to get sucked into scrolling through Instagram or TikTok for hours. To avoid this, set specific times for social media use. Treat it as a reward for completing tasks or working for a set period. Being mindful of when and how often you check social media can help you stay focused on your priorities.
Taking breaks might sound counterintuitive, but they're essential for effective time management. Working non-stop can lead to burnout, so make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout your day. A quick walk, a snack, or simply stretching your legs can work wonders for your focus and energy levels.
Don't forget to make time for hobbies you enjoy! Whether playing sports, reading, or cooking, hobbies help you relax and recharge. Physical activity, in particular, is great for reducing stress and boosting your mood, so try to include it regularly in your routine. Remember, college life isn't just about studying—it's also about growing, exploring, and staying healthy mentally and physically.
It may sound simple, but sleep is crucial for productivity. While it's tempting to sacrifice sleep to get more done, pulling all-nighters is never a good idea. Your brain needs rest to process information and stay sharp. Make sleep a priority, and you'll find yourself performing better throughout the day.
Be prepared to receive plenty of invitations to join clubs, social events, and projects in college. While getting involved is great, remember you don't have to say yes to everything. Overcommitting can lead to stress and burnout. Be honest with yourself about what you can handle, and don't be afraid to say no when necessary.
Whether you're working on a group project or part of a committee organising an event, practise delegating tasks. You don't have to do everything on your own. Sharing the workload helps you manage your time more effectively and prevents tasks from piling up and overwhelming you.
Time management isn't a one-and-done thing—it's an ongoing process! Set aside time each week or month to review how your schedule is working. Are you meeting deadlines? Are you feeling stressed? Are there tasks you're consistently procrastinating on? If something's not working, adjust your schedule accordingly.
College life is unpredictable. Sometimes, things will come up unexpectedly, and that's okay. Stay flexible and be willing to work around your schedule when needed. Being adaptable will help you stay on top of everything!
At the end of the day, effective time management isn't about scheduling every minute—it's about using your time strategically to succeed in your studies, enjoy your personal life, and take care of yourself along the way. Start putting these strategies into practice today, and you'll set yourself up for success in college and beyond. You've got this!
Phoo Pwint 'Tylia' Thazin is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Interior Architecture at Taylor's University. With a passion for design and a flair for communication, she seeks to share tips and insights on interior architecture and related topics to inspire and inform her readers.
