23Jun

Importance Of Time Management For Success In College

The Importance Of Time Management For College Students Success 

Time is one of the most important resources. Effective time management is a skill that most people should utilize out of their professional and personal lives. Time management can make the difference between a mediocre and a superior performance to a college student. Managing time in college can be challenging and yet it is very important to a student’s success.

You must control time in order to manage it effectively. If you do not consciously control time, your old habits will control your time hence hindering your achievements.

The most important steps in taking control of time are following a schedule and establishing goals. One can use the assignment deadlines and examination dates set for you as semester goals. However, you need to create a schedule that will enable you achieve those goals. This guide presents a method that you can use to manage your time effectively:

A weekly priority list

Create a weekly priority list that takes into account both short and long-term assignments. List down everything that you need and want to accomplish during the week. First, classify what needs to be reviewed, written or be read for each course. List down specific pages and chapters. Then assess long-term assignments and test schedules and set time aside for preparation. Use this list to divide long-term assignments into manageable pieces and to monitor progress towards your goals.

A month-at-a-glance calendar

Write down all your important dates on a month-at-a-glance calendar. Note when themes, research papers, reports, and assignments are due. Record dates for presentations, final examinations, mid-terms, quizzes, and tests. These dates should act as your goals and reviewing the calendar often will keep you focused.

Create a semester plan

A semester plan is an effective program that will help reach your goals. The plan should be a detailed weekly schedule of activities. The schedule allocates time for studying, classes, eating, sleeping, recreation, and personal care. Create a plan for achieving your semester goals that is flexible enough to modify your weekly priorities. You can program your time effectively by planning how to use all the hours in each day of your week. You can establish effective time management habits and program yourself for success by following a semester plan.

These steps will help you create an effective schedule:

 1. Establish your committed time – write down everything that you must do and record the times attached to each activity. Include your class times, exercise times and commuting times.

 2. Establish your personal time – note down what time you need for eating, grooming, sleeping, and doing household chores.

 3. Estimate study time – review how much time you need for each class. You can start with the two-for-one rule. Plan to use two hours studying outside the classroom for every one hour of class every week. Assign more time to difficult classes and less time to easier classes. This way you will identify how much study time you need for each class.

 4. Institute a study plan – set specific times for studying. If possible use these principles:

  • Plan for peak periods of concentration – govern when your high and low periods of concentration occur. Spare peak times for intensive study. Use less efficient times for less intensive tasks like recopying, rewriting notes, or typing assignments.
  • Schedule study times according to class periods and course formats – study right before attending classes. This is because some classes take more preparation before class and others require review after class. If you have, a class that requires discussing and reciting try to study before the class commences.
  • Study in time blocks – you can create 50 minute blocks of study time separated by 10 minute rest periods. You will focus more if you know that there is a break ahead. 
  • Study difficult courses first – when you start studying your mind is fresh and your concentration is better. Do not fall into a trap of getting the easy thing out of the way first.
  • Use daylight hours productively – according to research, each hour used to study during the day is equal to one and one-half hours used at night.
  •  5. Revise your plan – you will not construct the best plan for your needs the first time you try. However, you will discover what kind of plan works best as you continue with your plan and revising it.

Time saving tips

You will find other ways to become a more efficient student once you construct a realistic schedule of activities. You can increase your efficiency by adopting the following time saving tips.

  • Review your habits and methods. Improve your skills by learning how to read textbooks, take notes and organize material more efficiently. In addition, learn how to take tests effectively, pick up handouts, enroll in courses that will boost your studies and attend workshops.
  • Study in a conducive environment. Look for a quiet well-lighted place that is free from distractions. Study in the same place as a matter of routine. Do not study on your bed or in your favorite TV chair.
  • Use your free time – carry a pocket work so that you can study while waiting in lines or eating alone. Recall all the main points of the lecture you just heard while walking from class.
  • Use lists in order to save time and keep yourself organized – keep lists of errands to run, books to borrow at the library, ideas to remember and purchases to make. Review your list daily and see where you can combine activities.

Give yourself a chance to succeed

Most people let their attitudes and behaviors set limits on their accomplishments. However, if you let your goals shape your attitude and behaviors you can accomplish your goals.

  • Be tough – if you set an alarm make sure to obey it. Do not play games with yourself and stop making excuses.
  • Realize when you are trying to do too much – consider dropping a course if life becomes too hectic, pressured, and unmanageable. Time pressures often cause failures in college so avoid trying too much.
  • Be courageous and determined – you can only succeed if you focus on your goals. Following a schedule requires dedication and courage.

Consider these things when organizing your time

  • Do you set aside time for studying each course that you are taking?
  • Do you study only when you are "in the mood?"
  • Do you spend some time reviewing when studying?
  • Do you schedule time for starting early on a long-term project?
  • Do you have a regular time each day for studying particular subjects?
  • When you study, do you take a break every thirty to forty minutes?
  • Do you study only when you have nothing else to do?
  • Do you take time soon after class for revising lecture notes?
  • To help estimate time needed for a reading assignment in a particular course; do you know how many textbook pages you can read in ten minutes?
  • Before you study, do you estimate the amount of time needed for doing the assignment?
  • What is the best time of the day for you to study?
  • Do you prepare a weekly schedule to help you become efficient?
  • Do you review regularly even if there is no immediate test?
  • Do you set aside time for fun and recreation?