College is a whirlwind of classes, studying, socializing, and new adventures. Keeping your grades up while enjoying yourself can be challenging—unless you master time management tips for college students.
Time management is one of the most important skills you learn in college since it involves:
- Identifying and prioritizing tasks
- Using tools (planners, calendars, technology) to keep you on track
- Avoiding time-wasting activities
- Setting realistic goals
When you stay on task, you’re more likely to succeed in school and thrive in your personal life as you transition from college life to work life—whether you’re an undergrad, grad, or professional student.
Use a planner or apps to stay organized
Time management in college starts with knowing how much time you actually have. While you may love a physical day planner, digital planning tools can be just as useful—especially since you probably always have your smartphone with you.
Planning and calendar apps make it easy to set recurring reminders and shuffle events. Try a scheduling app like Google Calendar and use it to build a practical schedule for classes, work, and leisure.
Create a realistic schedule with buffer zones
A schedule only works if you stick to it. Any weekly plan you make needs to be reasonable. Between classes, clubs, downtime, and social events, there’s only so much time in a day. To make the most of your college days, it’s also vital to rest—otherwise, you risk burnout.
Add buffer zones to your schedule. Short windows give you flexibility to rearrange tasks and take breaks when you need them so you can better stay on track.
Set SMART goals for success
Attending college is about setting and achieving your goals. Like everything else, you need to put some thought into them. Want to hit your goals? Make them SMART.
SMART is a goal-setting framework that stands for:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
A non-SMART goal is, “I’ll boost my grade in Economics 101.” But a SMART goal is, “I’ll achieve a 90% in Economics 101 by semester’s end by studying an extra three hours a week.”
See the difference? The SMART goal is far easier to attain since the “how” is built in. SMART goals work well for short-term wins.
For long-term goals, add milestones to track your progress.
Break down big tasks into smaller steps
Larger goals are easier with a step-by-step strategy. Steps can turn an overwhelming objective into a series of smaller, manageable goals.
For example, instead of wanting to “move off campus in your junior year,” break it into several steps:
- Tour apartments and choose one.
- Find roommates.
- Save $2,000 for the deposit.
- Move in.
- Sign up for utilities, including a high-speed internet plan.
Put these steps into a checklist on your smartphone or tablet to make even big goals manageable.
Prioritize with time management tools
Beyond digital planners, there are other college tech essentials that students need to boost productivity. Try Clockify, a time-tracking app that shows how long each task actually takes.
Once you understand where your time goes, you can reallocate it as needed. Trello is an all-in-one app that combines to-do lists, task boards, and a planner to keep you on track.
While these tools help with studying, what about when you find your mind wandering?
Avoid common time wasters
It’s simple: steer clear of distractions that waste your time as you study, like doomscrolling on social media. Also avoid starting your 10-page research paper the night before it’s due or taking on too many tasks at once.
If your phone easily distracts you, try the Forest app. When you focus on your work, a tree grows; leave the app, and your tree withers. Focus apps like these help create better conditions for studying and daily productivity.
Beyond apps, setting up the right environment can help you focus.
Tailor your study environment for focus
Where you study is just as important as how you study. Transform part of your room into a quiet, organized, distraction-free space.
Use a speaker to play soothing instrumental music or install a smart switch and smart light bulbs for mood lighting. If you live in a noisy dorm, try noise-canceling headphones.
Staying focused with the right accessories and time management skills is key to college success and beyond.
Strong time management habits lead to success
With so many time management tools, apps, planners, and schedules available, staying focused has become a lot easier.
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