Tips and Tools for Time Management

Time always seems to be in short supply. Now, with the school starting, that is doubly true. How will you do it all without going crazy or burning yourself out? Here we present our Top 8 Tips for Student Time Management, as well as some cool apps and tools that will help you.

 

Top 8 Tips for Student Time Management

 

1. Prioritize

First step: Think about what really matters to you. What are your top goals for this year? Write them down, organizing your list by:

1. Goal
2. Steps to accomplish that goal
3. What will you gain by accomplishing that goal

These goals don’t all have to be school-related. Staying healthy, making close friends, forming strong family relationships, or achieving personal or athletic milestones are important, too. Determine which things matter most in your life, and why.

Tool for Prioritizing: Trello 

 

2. Create a Schedule / Time-Budget

You know how much time you have in a day – it’s finite and unchanging. Budget that time, just as you would budget your income. Put it down “in black and white.” Once it’s written, that schedule becomes more real. A digital version is as good as or better than paper – especially if you can take it with you everywhere, on your phone.

Tool for Scheduling: Google Calendar 

 

3. Create a To-Do List

Nothing keeps you on track better than a “To-Do List,” which the corporate world calls an “action item” list. Make your list every day and list everything.

Prioritize. It’s often smart to put the least agreeable task on the top of the list, and get it out of the way. If an item doesn’t get accomplished, make sure you forward it to the following day’s list. If you force yourself to keep writing it down, you’ll be less likely to keep procrastinating.

To-Do List Tool: 2Do 

 

4. Focus

Speaking of procrastination, that’s one of the biggest enemies of time management. You know the other major problem: distraction. You probably know what your biggest distraction is, too... Most likely it’s your phone. Good time management is all about efficiency. There’s no point spending several hours studying, if you’re unfocused and unproductive. Focus will be your best friend during study time. Your work will be more enjoyable and time will move more quickly when you’re in the zone. That means removing yourself from distractions.

Tool for Focusing When Writing Papers: FocusWriter                

 

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

You simply can’t do everything. If you try, you’ll find that you don’t do anything well. Even with good time management, you can’t be two places at once.

 

6. Find your Motivation

Motivation is often tied into your goals, and the benefits you’ll receive by accomplishing them. Review your goals often, to stay inspired, motivated, and on-course. You should also reward yourself for staying on schedule or accomplishing a goal. Choose a treat that’s especially satisfying to you.

Tool for Motivation: EpicWin 

 

7. Take Breaks

Breaks should also be on your schedule, especially during times of intensive studying. The brain can only absorb so much at once. If you give yourself a 10 minute break occasionally, you’ll be more productive and focused when you get back to business.

To-Do List with Built-In Breaks: 30/30 

 

8. Sleep

Of course humans need sleep – everyone knows that. We also know that sleep is one of the first things to get sacrificed in a busy schedule. Studies show you need even more in your teen years, so schedule plenty of it.

Tool for Lulling Yourself to Sleep: RainyMood 

 

Following these tips won’t just help you tackle the school year – they’ll help you tackle life. Time will remain one of your most valuable commodities, through college and career.

 

Good luck. May time be on your side!