Summer holidays are coming to a close and the start of the next university term is fast approaching. Many students will feel excited about getting back to normal but, for some, their schedules may seem overwhelming. Managing your time is one of the hardest things to do as a student. But for those determined to stay on track this year, here are six time management habits to adopt.
Do the simple task first
Those who suggest doing the hardest task first just want to watch you struggle. Many productivity experts suggest starting your day with a small task. Completing this task is likely to build confidence and momentum that will carry you through the more difficult tasks.
Remove Distractions
If you’re easily distracted, you need to remove everything that will possibly distract you from sight. Turn your phone off, give it to your friend, lock it in a drawer. Out of sight, out of mind! Once you’ve completed everything you need to do, indulge in your distraction. Delayed gratification really does feel great.
Use a timer
Time-blindness is something a lot of people struggle with, and making sure you’re aware of it is the best way to overcome it. To ensure you know the time, have a clock in every room and maybe even invest in a watch. Some people like to set their watches five minutes ahead if they’re prone to being late. Alarms will become your best friend. Set one as a reminder of a task you need to do later in the day. Use timers on your phone to allocate an amount of time to finish your task in. If you aren’t fond of phone timers, you could always buy an old-fashioned hourglass.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure nothing slips your mind. A weekly planner is a solid investment for a student. Plan your week with study slots and uni work but also make sure to factor in relaxation periods and hobbies. Routines can help students stay on track.
Set a deadline before your deadline
If you have an important deadline far away in the future, it’s very easy to leave things until the last minute. If your university modules don’t set helpful deadlines for you, set them yourself. For example, aim to write 500 words of a big project a week. Breaking down things into small parts will help you get there without making the task seem overwhelming.
Think of your work as a game
It’s very easy to become apathetic about university work. Especially if a certain topic doesn’t interest you. Thinking of the stuff you need to do as a game can help you get through it quicker. For example, offer yourself a treat after you’ve completed a task. Or add an element of competition into your work. See how fast you can get something done. Try anything you think will make your work more interesting.