Time Management Study Skills

As a college or university student, it is important to know that you will not receive constant reminders about tests that are coming up, projects that are due, or deadlines for papers that must be submitted. In high school it was common for teachers to remind you quite frequently about these things but in college and university you are expected to keep track of them yourself. That means that it may be best to use some kind of time management system to keep track of everything and also to plan your study time. Distance learning students really need to use a time management system to help them stay on track with their studies if they begin to lose some of their motivation for the course. Here are some time management tips that will help to prevent cramming and all-nighters.

1. Start early in the school year

2. Set your goals. These can be for your life, your career, this year or this course you are presently taking.

3. Set your priorities
- The subjects you need to study
- The activities you participate in
- A job
- Family obligations etc.

4. Make sure you don’t over commit your time. You may have to say no to some activities.

5. Create a master plan to use.
a.Fill in the times with the things you have no choices about time-wise such as:
- Your work schedule
- Your class schedule
- Meetings you must attend
- Regular responsibilities for children e.g. taking to and from school and scheduled activities

b. Next fill in your academic tasks that must be done but for which you can choose the time such as:
- Studying
- Working on essays
- Weekly or daily discussion postings

c. Finally fill in all your other necessities such as:
- Cooking
- Eating
- Laundry
- Recreation
- Shopping
- Family time
- Partying

6. Plan your study time considering the following:

a. You should study as soon as possible after a lecture
b. Study before a class that has spur of the moment quizzes
c. Study before a class that has a discussion format
d. Study before a lab
e. Study the same subject as close to the same time every day as possible
f. Plan sufficient study time but not too much. You will make better use of your time if you have a limited amount planned.
g. Plan study breaks. You will concentrate better and therefore accomplish more if you take a short break every hour or so.
h. Keep a book or an article to read or some flash cards with you wherever you go to make use of wasted time waiting for appointments or buses or waiting in lines.

Having a time management plan can help you avoid procrastination because you don’t need to think about what you should do at any given time. Following the plan helps you avoid the last minute cramming for tests. It can make studying more enjoyable since you know you can move on to something else shortly. Since the plan allows time for leisure activities, it allows you to enjoy those activities without feeling guilty about not studying. A plan provides a guide for you to follow so you don’t have to waste time deciding what to do. You can enjoy the feeling of being in control of your priorities in life. This will help you stay motivated and be more successful in your distance learning courses.