Time Management

Developing time management skills is a journey
that may begin with this Guide, but needs practice and other guidance along the way.
One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time
as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies
in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.

First: try our exercise in time management

Strategies on using time:

Develop blocks of study time
About 50 minutes? How long does it take for you to become restless?
Some learners need more frequent breaks for a variety of reasons
More difficult material may also require more frequent breaks
Schedule weekly reviews and updates
Prioritize assignments
When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task
Develop alternative study places free from distractions
to maximize concentration
Got "dead time"?
Think of using time walking, riding, etc. for studying “bits”
Review studies and readings just before class
Review lecture material immediately after class
(Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review)
Schedule time for critical course events
Papers, presentations, tests, etc.
Try the University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator

Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule
to meet both your academic and non-academic needs

Effective aids:

"To Do" list
Write down things you have to do, then decide what to do at the moment, what to schedule for later, what to get someone else to do, and what to put off for a later time period
Daily/weekly planner
Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
First thing in the morning, check what's ahead for the day
always go to sleep knowing you're prepared for tomorrow
Long term planner
Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.
Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself

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