Time is an important tool in a person’s life. It is the key to success and must not be wasted. Due to the significance of time, it is important to learn how to effectively organize and manage our activities in an orderly and timely manner. Time management means appropriately managing the time that is available to one. Simply put, time management involves allocating the right time to the right activity effectively. Time management cuts across all sectors but this article would focus on students: organization of studies.
Time management for students
On an average scale, a student spends nothing less than 15 hours on school work; which involves writing assignments, reading materials and handouts, and studying for tests and projects. Extracurricular activities such as sports, volunteering, clubs, and games have to be included as well as they help in personal development which is also important for a student. Thus, time management helps with a proper appropriation of time to suit different activities based on the level of importance and need to achieve excellence.
Time management problems for students
These are the problems and challenges students face when trying to achieve an effective/properly planned system. They include:
- Procrastination
- Distractions
- Prioritizing problem
- Insufficient rest
- Lack of motivation
- Inefficient organization
- Multitasking
Time management methods
Time management has a lot to do with self-management. Effectively managing your time might be the key to improving your grades. A good way to start is by prioritizing skills and categorizing them into short- and long-term planning.
Time management methods are divided into 2 types:
1. Short term planning
The period for this might range from between one year and less. Your short-term goals should be either daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
2. Long term planning
These are goals that take over a year to achieve. They can cover a period of 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 years or more. Long-term planning requires more discipline; however, they are an accumulation of short-term plans.
Tips to manage your time
The best time to study is entirely dependent on your planning and scheduling skills. While some people prefer to study at night, others prefer studying in the morning. Regardless of which category you fall under, the following tips will help you better structure your time.
- Set achievable goals
One of the key steps to managing time is to identify important areas where sufficient attention is lacking and work on such areas. For example, if it is observed that 7 hours is being spent on social media, cutting it down to 2 hours would make room for 5 free hours which would be allocated to an area where enough attention is needed.
- Take note of deadlines
As a student, several classes are taken at the same time and each has assignments, tests, presentations, projects, and so on. With an effective time-management plan, it would be easy to deal with. Simply use a clear chart or a calendar to mark out due dates. By doing so, it would be clear when each item is due and give you time to study or prepare for whichever comes first.
- Weekly study plan
Creating schedules for your study planners keeps things organized hence it is highly recommended in time management. It could be done digitally using a phone or simply with a pen and paper. It could include your lecture hours, time for social activities, study time, family time, religious time, etc.
- Maximize break times
Asides from getting rest during breaks, breaks could be used to accomplish other tasks listed in your schedule or To-do lists. For example, simple tasks such as grocery shopping could be done in between classes or during lunch breaks. This would help create more room for other things that you would wish to do.
Time management tools for students
These are tools that help in organizing, prioritizing, recording, and analyzing your goals. They are efficient and time-saving. Some include calendars, task managers, note apps, habit tracking apps, distraction prevention tools, etc.
Conclusion
Time management for students is crucial for excellence and top flyers. It is basically what differentiates an average student from a topper and hence, the art and skill of time management should be mastered and practiced immensely.
