Time Management Tips for Degree Students

Time Management Tips for Degree Students

College studies, household responsibilities and sometimes part-time jobs – it is not easy to manage all these together. We have only 24 hours in a day. In such a situation, it is important that we use time properly so that we can not only complete our work but also make time for family and ourselves.

1. Identify the things that waste time and make goals

Our attention often gets distracted by mobile, social media, games or unnecessary conversations. If you start looking at notifications repeatedly while studying, then the mind gets diverted from studies.

For example:

• Do you check Instagram every 10 minutes?
• Do you take WhatsApp calls while studying?
• Do you keep searching something on Google without any reason?

Identify these habits and stay away from them while studying. You can use these things as a reward – like “If I study for 1 hour without mobile, then I can use mobile for 10 minutes.”

2. Plan the work in advance by making a to-do list

Start every day with a list. Include both today’s important tasks and upcoming tasks in it. You can divide it into 2 parts:

• Tasks to do now
• Tasks to do later

If you are feeling creative, then you can do the work of writing assignments. If you are feeling good about concentration, then memorize the topics that you have to memorize. Choosing work according to your mood makes studying easier.

3. Start with small tasks

It is natural to feel nervous after seeing big projects and thick books. In such a situation, start with small and easy tasks.

Example:

• First read the topic that can be read in 10 minutes.
• Start with a small notes revision.

When small tasks start getting completed, confidence also increases and bigger tasks seem easy.

4. Do only one thing at a time

It is the age of multitasking, but it is not that effective when it comes to studies.

If you have so many things clamoring for your attention all at the same time, you’ll find that you won’t be able to actually do any of the works properly.

What to do?

• Put all the devices on silent mode or turn them off.
• Set a timer – like do only one thing for 30 minutes.

This habit can take time, but once you get into it, the quality of studies increases manifold.

5. Make a routine and follow it

Every day does not have to be the same, but a basic routine makes the day easier. For example:

• Study from 6 to 7 in the morning
• Classes and assignments during the day
• Revision till 9 in the evening

If the morning time is quiet at home, then use that time for study. Habits are strengthened by doing them repeatedly.

6. Take breaks wisely

It is important to take breaks in between studies, but those breaks should not become a means of wasting time. You can use the Pomodoro technique:

• 25 minutes of study
• 5 minutes of break
• A big break of 15 minutes after every fourth session

This method maintains focus and also prevents fatigue. Stay away from the screen during the break – take a walk for some time or relax by closing your eyes.

7. Take time for yourself too

Just studying makes the brain tired and gradually the interest also decreases. Therefore, it is important to refresh yourself in between.

What can you do?

• Meditation – 10 minutes every day
• Listen to music of your choice
• Spend some time in nature

These small things reset the brain and also have a good effect on your health.

8. Share responsibilities – don’t do everything alone

If you try to do everything at home by yourself, you won’t have time to study.

Example:

• Ask friends or family for help with household chores.
• Ask your partner or roommate to take care of cooking or cleaning for a few days.

When you share some responsibilities with others, you can focus more on your studies.

Tips for online students:

Time management becomes even more important for students pursuing an online degree. Here are some tips:

• Create a study space: There should be a designated place to study where there are no distractions.
• Dress up: Getting dressed up even while at home puts the mind in the mood to study.
• Login every day: Missing class means missing out on studies. So check the virtual class every day, ask questions and stay connected.
• Create physical reminders: Notes, calendars, sticky notes – all these help remind you to study.

Tools that help in time management:

To-do list apps:

• Any.do – easy and simple interface
• Remember The Milk – works on multiple devices
• Todoist – creates smart lists, links to calendar

Goal setting strategies:

• Make SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
• Learn goal setting from “The National Society of Leadership and Success”

Conclusion:

Time management is not magic, it is a habit. When you start planning your day, you are able to balance studies and personal life. If you include the 8+ tips in your daily routine, then you will not only be able to get good marks but will also feel better mentally.