Mastering the Art of Time Management: Helpful Tips for Busy College Students
Are you the type of college student that LOVES to be busy? You’re probably taking a full academic course load, working an on-campus job, and involved in several clubs and organizations. I’m guessing you might also be feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s on your plate right now. Combine all of your obligations with your desire to have a social life (which is so important for your well-being!), you’re probably exhausted and looking for a way to navigate the busy college years and make time for it all. Trust me, I’ve been there too! Here are a few of my favorite tried and true ways to master the art of time management.
Create a Calendar
A calendar is a great way to keep track of all of your many responsibilities as a busy college student. From assignment due dates and test days, to social plans and extracurriculars, keep everything organized in a centralized location. This way, you’re never surprised by what’s on your schedule. There are so many calendar tools available, so you can find one that works best for you. Here are a few calendar options to consider: Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, Asana, or a paper calendar or agenda. One added benefit of an electronic calendar is that you can set up reminders and sync the calendar with your email for added ease!
Make a To-Do List
Start by compiling everything you need to accomplish into a list. This makes it easier to remember everything that needs your attention. The first task on your to-do list should always be “Make a to-do list”. This way, you can check that off the list as soon as you’ve finished and feel accomplished that you already completed one task.
If you feel like you’re already pretty good at the to-do list, the next step is to boost the effectiveness of your to-do list by prioritizing your list into a parking lot list. Use the following airport parking lot structure to prioritize the tasks on your to-do list:
Arrivals/Loading Line (immediate need)
Short Term Parking (needs done soon)
Long Term Parking (can wait a bit longer)
Extended Parking (goals or wish list)
Batching
When you have a lot to do, it can be helpful to categorize your tasks into “batches” (e.g., assignments to complete, household chores, errands to run). You can complete a batch in a single session before taking a break and moving onto the next batch. Plus, focusing your efforts on similar tasks will help prevent you from getting distracted by another task. After you complete a batch, you can identify the next batch that you want to complete. Then, set out all of the necessary tools/supplies/materials needed to complete that batch. This way, when you’re ready to start that batch, you can begin without any hesitation or prep work necessary.
Just Say “No”
This is easier said than done and requires some practice. But, if you’re realizing that your calendar is filled to the brim, it’s probably a sign that you may need to re-evaluate your priorities (or look at the parking lot list you made earlier) and determine if there is anything you can postpone or say no to. It’s likely your friends will be more than understanding when you let them know you have to miss your intramural kickball game in order to study for a big test the next day.
Schedule Time For Yourself
You can’t effectively practice time management if you aren’t taking care of yourself. It’s much easier to accomplish everything we need to do when we’re healthy and rested. This might mean scheduling a lunch break in your calendar, planning a day where you get to sleep in, or making plans to hang out with friends to decompress. It could also mean rewarding yourself after you finish a task or meet a deadline (e.g., you spend 10 minutes on your phone after studying for 30 minutes).
Like any skill, time management takes practice. The more you practice implementing time management strategies into your life, the more natural this skill will become. Hopefully this list gives you a great starting place for time management and a few tips that might help your busy college life seem a bit more manageable and a lot more enjoyable.
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Written by: Jordan Bramhall, LGPC
Jordan works with children, teens, and adults to help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and stress management. She offers in-person and online counseling services in Monkton, MD and accepts insurance.
