Time Management
How do I get it all done?

The way you use your time and energy can make a big difference as to how successful a student you are. The tips below will be of help to you in making the best use of your time:

Analyze Your Time

Before you can use your time better, you need to know how you're spending your time now. Keep track of your use of time for a week. Mark your time wasters in the following list:

• absentmindedness, forgetting things
• putting things off
• disorganization, lack of planning
• trouble getting started
• daydreaming
• watching TV
• just too much to do
• talking on the phone
• lack of written goals
• worry, lack of confidence
• preoccupied with my problems
• no daily plan
• too much attention to detail
• perfectionism, trying to do everything perfectly
• indecision
• not using waiting/travel time.

Make a Monthly or Semester Schedule

• Check your course outlines for test dates and assignment deadlines.
• Mark them on your schedule.
• Fill in any other important dates (including major personal commitments) for the semester.

Make a Weekly Schedule

• Put in necessary activities first. For example: class schedule, meals, part-time work, sleep time (7-8 hrs).
• Plan study times - schedule your most difficult subjects for the times when you are most alert. Also, try to:

Make a Daily "TO DO List"

List tasks to be done according to their priority. Use a system like:

• MUST do
• SHOULD do
• COULD do

Other Suggestions

• use between-class time for reviewing notes or preparation for your next class
• take a 5-10 minute break each study hour
• alternate the type of studying and/or subject.
• Plan recreation time - schedule approximately 15 hours per week for physical activity and for doing things like laundry, shopping, etc.
• Allow yourself some free time - leave some blank space for the unexpected, or for subjects that might require more time than you had planned.
• Reward yourself - give yourself a reward for jobs well done and for sticking to your schedule.

Source: http://www.sheridanc.on.ca/career/tips/timemgt.htm

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