Time Management And Staying Organised

As a student, managing your time and staying organised can be a real challenge. Between classes, studying, extracurricular activities, work, and socialising, it can feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. But with a little planning and effort, you can develop effective time management skills that will help you stay on top of your responsibilities and make the most of your college experience.

First and foremost, it's important to prioritise your tasks and responsibilities. Take some time to make a list of everything you need to accomplish, and then rank each item in order of importance. This will help you focus on the most important tasks first and avoid getting bogged down in less critical tasks.

Next, create a schedule that outlines when you will work on each task. Be realistic about how long each task will take, and build in breaks and down time to avoid burning out. Be sure to include time for studying, attending classes, working, exercising, and socialising in your schedule.

One key to staying organised is to establish a regular routine. This will help you stay on track and avoid procrastination. For example, you might decide to study for a certain number of hours each day, or work on a specific task at the same time each day. Consistency can also help you stay focused and avoid getting distracted.

Another important aspect of time management is to manage your distractions. It can be tempting to check your phone or social media constantly, but these distractions can derail your productivity. Consider using a tool like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites during your study or work time. Additionally, find a study space that is free from distractions, such as a quiet library or a secluded corner of a coffee shop. Personally, I just used to leave my phone in another room on silent!

One effective strategy for managing your time and staying organised is to use a planner or calendar. There are many digital and physical options available, so choose the one that works best for you. Be sure to write down all of your assignments, deadlines, and commitments in your planner, and refer to it regularly to stay on track. This will also help you avoid missing important deadlines or double-booking yourself. 

In addition to using a planner, it can be helpful to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. For example, if you have a big research paper due at the end of the semester, you might break it down into smaller tasks like choosing a topic, conducting research, writing an outline, and so on. This will make the task feel more manageable and help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Many educational institutions offer resources like tutoring, counselling, and academic support to help students succeed. If you're struggling with a particular subject or task, don't hesitate to reach out for support. Your teachers, classmates, and academic advisors can also be valuable resources for time management tips and advice.