Top Ten Tips: Time Management
By Anna from the Student Team
Most university students have to juggle multiple things at the same time. Staying on top of your coursework, having a job, making sure that you are taking proper care of yourself by cooking, playing sports, socialising… your timetable can be really packed. This is why it’s so important to know how to manage your time properly, so that you can make the most of every day. Here are some of the Student Team’s tips to help you with time management strategies.
This blog post follows the content of our Top Ten Tips: Time Management Podcast closely. If you prefer to listen, you can do so here:
# Tip 1
Making To Do lists will help you quickly organise and prioritise. As a bonus, ticking off the tasks you’ve completed will give you a sense of achievement!
Having a list of things to do will help you structure and organize your day. Don’t forget to evaluate the time sensitiveness of your tasks and place the most urgent ones at the top of your list. Ticking them off one by one will be so satisfying!
# Tip 2
Over-scheduling will add to the stress and decrease motivation. Being honest about how much time you need will help you to plan appropriately.
Be realistic about how long it will take you to complete your tasks. If you put too much on your plate, you may end up feeling overwhelmed and unmotivated. It is better to do fewer things in depth and properly, than rushing everything just for the sake of completing your checklist.
# Tip 3
Prioritise work in terms of importance as balancing too much will make you overwhelmed. If you focus on one task at a time you’ll be less likely to make mistakes.
You know when you have too many tabs open in your browser and your laptop starts to slow down? The same thing happens with your brain if you try to focus on too many things at the same time. Get the most important tasks done first, and stay focused on a single task at a time so that you avoid making mistakes due to being distracted.
# Tip 4
Take advantage of the spare time you have waiting for the bus or the seminar. Using time effectively can make all the difference.
It doesn’t matter whether you use the spare 15 minutes on the bus to re-read some notes or to meditate for a short while — use them in a way that will reflect your needs at that particular moment. Sometimes you need to look over some material, or you just need to close your eyes, listen to a song to calm down. The most important thing is to make the most of your time.
# Tip 5
Give yourself some time off! Taking regular breaks will help you refresh your mind and perform better. Make sure to include relaxing activities in your schedule. Also try exercising daily!
Just like any other muscle in your body, your brain needs a break too. Include relaxing and calming activities such as colouring, listening to music, making your favourite snack or going for a walk in your daily schedule. Staying physically active will also do wonders for both your physical and mental well-being.
# Tip 6
Don’t confuse breaks with procrastination! Make sure you clarify your goals and organise your daily tasks in terms of importance and urgency.
Let’s be honest — watching Netflix for three hours does not constitute a break from studying. Make sure you don’t fall into the cycle of procrastination. It is better to complete your tasks on time and focus on leisure activities with your mind at peace after having achieved all of your goals for the day.
# Tip 7
To avoid last-minute panic set yourself a deadline that’s earlier than the actual one. Leave some gaps in your daily schedule
Just in case everything doesn’t go as planned, it is good to have a cushion of extra time to save you from unnecessary stress and anxiety. Completing things a bit in advance before the actual deadline will give you some time to spare in case you get stuck or if something unexpected happens.
# Tip 8
Use different folders and notepads for each module, dividers are also useful. If you want to go paperless, use productivity apps.
Make sure that all of your notes for the course and references for essays/projects are in the right place. With everything properly organised, you can access the information you need more quickly and without hassle, while also making sure that nothing gets lost. If you’re not a fan of paper, using apps like Evernote or Google Docs will enable you to access your notes from any of your devices.
# Tip 9
You shouldn’t dive into any important work if your brain is tired! Plan your study sessions around the times when you’re the most efficient.
An important aspect of being efficient is really knowing yourself and being honest about your own abilities. Track your energy levels and your ability to focus during different times of the day to determine when you can get the most work done the most efficiently. When you feel tired or distracted, don’t take on any major tasks and have a longer break instead so that you can relax and refocus later on.
# Tip 10
Remember you’re not alone! If you’re having trouble contact your tutor. Additionally, the University offers a number of support services.
If you’re struggling, remember that there is always someone to talk to! Don’t hesitate to get in contact with your tutor, or making use of the many services that UoM Library offers if you feel like you could be doing better, whether it’s Time Management workshops or Mindfulness Sessions.
There’s always someone there to help!
