Monopolize your time in college with these time management tips

We commonly hear people make excuses for not completing what they set out to do. Most times, when given assignments, students say that they “just don’t have the time.”

While it may seem that time is escaping you when assigned a large course load, there are 24 hours in a day and we all have the power to prioritize the activities that truly matter to us.

If you are in need of new practices to maintain good time management, here are five of my best tips that will help you create an everyday routine.

Graphic by- Abbey Mark

Create a homework schedule

First, start by blocking out all of the times you know will be busy — class times, activity meetings, meal times, etc. Once you have your obligations marked down, look for those “pockets” of free time you have and assign subjects to them.

Perhaps you have a break in between classes on one or two days — that can be your time to work on one class’s homework. Maybe you have an entire day off and you have a lecture-heavy class; you can focus your time that day on doing the work for that class. 

I find setting aside a specific time each week to work on a certain class helps me stay on top of my homework.

Create a study schedule

In addition to scheduling “subject blocks” to get work done, you’ll want to create a daily study routine for those classes that require daily review and/or practice. 

I suggest picking a time in the day when you are free and feel like you can focus well. Set aside about 10-15 minutes for each subject you have to study for, and take that time to actively review the material. 

By doing a little bit of review every day, you’ll keep everything fresh in your mind and avoid those late-night cramming sessions. 

Rip off that band-aid

Start your assignments as soon as you can after you get them. Don’t wait until you “feel like it” — you are never going to feel like doing anything, the hardest part is getting started. 

However, once you start you’ll probably begin to become more focused, and soon enough you’ll be finished.

Did I feel like starting this time-management guide? Not really. Did I write it anyway? Well duh, or you wouldn’t be reading this.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Break big assignments into small chunks. For instance, if you have a 25-page chapter to read, and it’s due the following Monday, you could get it done by reading five pages a day Monday through Friday (and you’d get the weekend off).

Set boundaries

To avoid wasting the entire day on your phone, set aside a specific time — perhaps in the evening after most of the day is over — to allow yourself to check social media, and only check it during this designated time.

Also, communicate with others whom you’re in close proximity with to let them know when you’ll be studying or completing homework. This will help prevent you from getting interrupted by rowdy roommates or screaming siblings.

By incorporating these techniques into your everyday routine, you will be setting yourself up for a successful school year. Some adjustments may have to be made to your schedule before you find a routine that’s just right, and that’s okay.

Adapting to a new schedule takes time, but eventually the phrase “I don’t have the time” will cease to be a part of your vocabulary.