Whether you were an efficient worker or practicing procrastinator in high school, good time management is a key element to a successful college career.
Even if you were efficient in high school, college can be overwhelming - there seems to be so much extra time!
Since most classes don't meet on a daily basis, it's easy to think your economics reading assignment can wait until later while you play a game of ultimate Frisbee instead. But beware: if this keeps up, by the time your midterm rolls along, you'll have hundreds of pages of reading to catch up on.
The following tips will help you minimize your stress level and maximize your time for college fun.
- Determine what's most important to you. What's your first priority? What can be dropped? Write an ordered list of what you need to get done. Prioritize the items on your list.
- Control your distractions. Get rid of unnecessary jobs. Handle visitors well. For example, if you're studying in your dorm room and don't want to be bothered, lock your door. Avoid phone distraction by turning off your ringer and letting the answering machine catch your calls.
- Eat a good breakfast. Not only is this good in resisting the pressure of the "freshman ten" (you burn your breakfast calories during the day), but a good breakfast gives your body carbohydrates and sugars to keep you energized.
- When working in groups, delegate jobs efficiently. Often, people will hesitate to delegate jobs when working in groups, but take charge if there is not a designated leader.
- Get the most out of class. Go to class and be on time. Be well-prepared and ready for discussion. If you class is 400 people in a lecture hall, read the material to be covered (check your syllabus or ask your professor for one). I promise this helps (plus, you'll feel super smart when you recognize the terms your professor talks about).
- One of the best things you can do to manage your time (then be managed by it) is to learn to say "no." Say "no" to people asking you to play pool when you should study or when someone wants help with something at an inconvenient time for you. Suggest a different time to help when it's more convenient for you.
- Remember that there's a time for everything. Sure, studying for a long time is good, but take breaks. Take power naps when your brain starts frying. If the weather's nice, a good game of ultimate Frisbee also refreshes the tired mind.
Everyone's different; some people like rigid day planners, others can deal with a simple note pad. Adjust these suggestions to best suit your needs.
With good time management skills, you'll find yourself a happier and healthier person.
Copyright WSN Press, Campus Crusade for Christ, Inc., 1997-2001 Used by permission of WSN Press and Campus Crusade for Christ. All rights reserved. WSN Press, Campus Crusade for Christ--2500, 100 Lake Hart Dr., Orlando, FL 32832 USA.
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