Organization Tips for Students

Time Management

Whether you’re new to university, working or just frustrated that you procrastinate, you can use the following planning and organization strategies to make the best of your time.

Get specific with what you want

The more specific you can describe what you want and what it takes to get there, the more likely you are to be successful. Becoming more self-aware is the first step toward staying on track and reaching your goals.

What do you want?

• Be aware of your short-term goals (this semester), your mid-term goals (1-3 years), and long term goals (3-5 years).
• Clearly articulate these goals to yourself.
• Make your goals very specific.
  

Fill out this goal setting worksheet

How are you using your time right now?
Once you see clearly how you are spending your time, you can be in charge of it. Self-awareness gives you the ability to make changes and be intentional and strategic.

Fill out this time analysis worksheet Be honest with yourself, and then see if there are any changes you need to make. Try this formula: For every hour you are in class, set aside 2 hours (or more) for studying, reading, and working on assignments.

Successful students gift themselves specific time to study. You may not need the same amount of time each week, but set it aside just in case. Some weeks you may have a lot of work, and during other weeks you can choose to use it (intentionally) for other courses or activities.
(Mount Royal University, n. d.)

What can you do with your time analysis worksheet?
Translate your completed time analysis (see previous section) into a weekly template. Enter your fixed responsibilities and tasks into this weekly calendar worksheet.

EVERY WEEK MAY BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT, BUT DO YOUR BEST TO CREATE A TEMPLATE THAT INCLUDES ALL THE TYPICAL THINGS YOU DO IN A WEEK.

Map out your schedule to help achieve balance
Having a visual image of how you use (or can use) your time helps put you in charge. Plot your time analysis on a weekly calendar and confirm that there is balance between school and other activities. That way, you can move activities to different days/times more confidently and intentionally.

Remember!

You should have schedule at least 2 times as many hours for studying and coursework as the hours you spend in the class. If you can, try to schedule your study times at your optimum energy times (do you work best in the morning, after lunch or at night?).

How can you get started and keep going?

• Spread out the work: Schedule your study session for a course on different days during the week (don’t do all your work for one course in one day).
• Set a time limit: Tell yourself to work for at least 20-30 minutes without distractions. Giving yourself a more immediate end-time can help you stay focused. Try using this handy timer to set time goals and breaks.
• Break it down: Work on smaller, manageable pieces of a whole project at a time. Get familiar with the typical smaller pieces/steps needed to complete your coursework so deciding what to work on becomes fairly automatic.
• Be intentional: With each block of study time, focus for short periods and take breaks. Instead of setting vague or impossible goals for yourself, be specific.

TRY IT! Make your own action plan.

(Mount Royal University, n. d.)

What can help you meet deadlines?

Look at the Big Picture:

Use a 4-month calendar (a paper version, online or on your phone) to preview deadlines over the next few weeks. This helps you see upcoming busy/crunch times so you can plan ahead. Schedule:

• Time off of work/swap shifts with coworkers
• Fun activities as rewards, not distractions
• Meeting times with study groups
  

Use Start Line:

Start lines are equally, if not more important than deadlines. Set a start time 2-3 weeks before each major deadline. This may sound like a lot more time, but don’t forget, you may have work due for several classes. Give yourself enough time. Don’t forget to set calendar alerts!

Chip away at it:

Large project can be overwhelming. Doing a bit every couple of days helps make the workload more achievable and manageable, and minimizes stress. Keep up with everyday study tasks (like reading your textbooks) and start working on future projects early.

Do you have a helpful routine?

Regular routines help resolve some of the decision making that can wear you out.

Pro Tip: Develop and practice small, easy-to-keep habits. Get dressed, set a timer, move to another study space, take a walk, study for a class at a certain time, talk to your instructor, take a yoga class, or start each reading by reviewing the last chapter.

What tactics can you use:

• Use resources: Your instructors, SLS Learning Strategists, and Librarians (among many others) are great resources to draw from for help. Scheduling appointments with them can create a sense of routine and help you stay accountable to your work.
• Meet a Peer Learner: The Peer Learning Program. is a great channel for you to connect with others and stay on track.
• Draw on your personal network: Talk with friends, family and classmates about positive ways they can help you stay motivated.
• Switch things up: Change up your work space (in your home, on campus) if you can create a feeling of different “schedule times” and “different study activities” similar to “going from classroom to classroom.” Moving from writing a paper at your desk or computer to reading your textbook in a chair by a window keeps your work space (and brain) fresh.
• Reward yourself: Turn your distractions (like Instagram or coffee breaks) into rewards. Tell yourself that you can “do the distraction” when you finish the small task
  (Mount Royal University, n. d.).