As a student, the pressures of coursework, examinations and flourishing in your academic life can take its toll. To ensure assignments are completed by the set deadline, students need to get a solid grasp of time management skills to help them to prioritize tasks and keep on top of their workload. To make better use of your time, here are five effective time management tips that can be incorporated into your studies.
1. Eliminate Distractions
In the modern world we live in, technology dominates our day-to-day life in the form of smartphones, televisions and game consoles. With so many activities that can distract students from doing their assignments, it’s important that you eliminate any that may hinder your learning
Think ahead, prioritize, take time to do some well-planned time management in order to get the most out of your study time. When it’s time to sit down and get to work, switching your cell phone off and steering clear of social media can help keep you focused. If you struggle to keep away from Facebook and Instagram and find yourself scrolling through your favorite websites rather than finishing your assignment, consider blocking those sites.
Also, make sure to separate your bedroom from your learning, otherwise, you may have difficulty when it comes to getting enough sleep.
2. Create a Master Schedule
Many students are faced with the prospect of juggling several assignments at once. If you struggle to keep focused on work, your first order of business should be to create a master schedule that can add more structure to your learning. A master schedule will help when it comes to prioritizing projects and ensure you adhere to set deadlines. To make things easier, you may want to use a different color for each assignment so you can follow the schedule easily and quickly.
3. Set Goals for Each Study Session
Once you’ve created a master schedule, it’s important that you set objectives and goals before your study session. The last thing you want to do is burn out quickly, so instead of doing too much at once, having goals that are realistic and attainable can help reduce stress levels and keep you on track with your workload. Many students put too much pressure on themselves, causing their anxiety levels to go through the roof, so it’s advisable to create targets that are achievable, helping to give you a sense of accomplishment.
4. Start Working on Assignments Early
The earlier you begin working on your assignments, the better. As a student, you should never leave assignments and revision until the last minute. To give you more structure, review upcoming assignments and examinations ahead of time, which can be included in your master schedule. Starting your work early will help you retain information much easier too.
5. Study in Shorter Bursts
When in a study session, it’s important that you give yourself plenty of breaks in between. Many students make the mistake of cramming too much onto their plate, making it much harder to retain information. For every 30 minutes of studying, make sure to give yourself a short 10 to 15-minute break. Studying in shorter bursts and taking regular breaks can give your brain the time it needs to recharge, helping you to feel more focused and productive.
Learning effective time management skills as a student is important. Not only will you be able to prioritize your workload better, but when it comes to entering the workplace, you will know how to use your time more effectively and efficiently. Staying on track throughout your studies can help reduce stress levels and keep you focused.
