Time Management

If you sometimes feel out of touch with your time use, you're not alone!

Time management is one of the biggest challenges people have in their lives. It is especially difficult for college students because there is so much unstructured time to work with. Here are some basic facts and tips involving time management:

1. Two extremes are evident in poor time use...

  • wasted time, procrastination
  • doing too much, spreading yourself too thin

It's best to find a happy median; keep a fair balance between academics, sleep/personal time, and social/recreational time.

2. How much time do you actually have???

There are 168 hours per week...

Academics uses 15 hrs. of class time, 30 hrs. of study time

(two hours for every hour spent in class) 45 hrs.
Sleep at 8 hrs. a night for 7 nights 56 hrs.
This leaves personal/social/recreational time of 67 hrs.
Total time per week 168 hrs.
This is an average estimation. Your personal time use will fluctuate according to your needs.

3. BE FLEXIBLE......Make commitments and plans BUT,

Learn to make adjustments as necessary.
Learn to meet obstacles and work to get beyond them.

4. There are three types of time management:

Monthly calendar - keep track of long-term events (exams, papers, activities).

Daily lists - for immediate responsibilities.

Weekly schedule - a combination of the monthly and daily schedules.

If you write down your plans, you are more likely to keep commitments. A time schedule will help you accomplish things without worry.

HOW TO PREPARE A TIME SCHEDULE

Efficient time budgeting requires planning and flexibility. Remember to include an adequate balance of work and play.

For best results, follow these few steps and hints:

  • Record fixed time commitments - classes, labs, jobs, (part-time, work study), sports practices and games, commitments to organizations, etc.
  • Schedule daily living activities - eating, sleeping, personal chores.
  • Schedule review time - small pieces of time can be used as review sessions. For lecture classes, review immediately after the class; for participation classes, review before class.
  • Schedule recreation time - exercise, TV, surfing the Internet, hanging out with friends, etc.
  • Schedule study time - the amount of preparation time needed for each class will vary. A good guide is at least two hours of study time for each hour of class time to receive an average grade.
  • Schedule this time when interference is at a minimum. Put the name of the subject you plan to study on your schedule - make the commitment.

Additional suggestions for effective time management:

  • Schedule around fixed commitments, like classes, clubs, jobs, sports, etc.
  • Plan sufficient study time - take the amount of time you need to understand the material.
  • Set realistic study requirements - don't underestimate the time needed for each subject.
  • Study at regular times and in places conducive to study - develop comfortable habits.
  • Review and/or study as soon after class as possible, while the information is still fresh.
  • Set an hour limit - take a short break every hour. Try not to spend more than two hours on one subject in one sitting.
  • Study your hardest subject first - save your easiest for a break.
  • Study on weekends - a few hours will take the pressure off the weekdays.
  • Borrow time, but don't steal it. Manage your schedule and be flexible. Time is easy to waste and difficult to control.

WHEN YOU'RE SWAMPED!!!

Steps involved in "concentrated" time management

  • Fill in your fixed commitments on a schedule sheet. The key to successful time management is writing everything down. You can make changes later.
  • On another piece of paper list everything else you have to do and want to do.
  • After everything is listed, prioritize your list and approximate the amount of time it will take you to accomplish each task. Of course, you can add or subtract time if necessary. However, make that initial estimate to help you plan your schedule.
  • When all your time estimations are done, it's time to fit your "planned work" into your schedule. You know yourself, so make it a realistic schedule. Here are some suggestions that might help:
  • Break up your study time into short intervals.
  • On average, don't spend more than 2 hours at a time in one sitting. Work for 45-50 minutes, take a short break, then work for another 45-50 minutes on that subject. Then switch to a different task.
  • Take at least a half-hour break before beginning a new subject.
  • Try not to schedule similar type subjects back-to-back; when possible, give yourself variety.
  • Include recreational and relaxing activities in your schedule.
  • Don't pull all-nighters - they hurt more than help.
  • Keep in mind that this is concentrated time management; you will most likely need more willpower and have to make more sacrifices in order to get things done.

5.  Follow your schedule as closely as possible. However, be flexible; make changes when necessary. Let your schedule help, not hinder, your work.

6.  Last, but not least - have rewards waiting for you. Hang in there, and good luck!!