Time management when studying is vital.
Everyone’s been there at the start of a new semester, where they have these lofty ideas of how they’re going to prepare good notes and hunker down and study every day. Sadly, that rarely happens. Coursework starts piling up, Netflix binges are oh so addictive, social life gets in the way, and suddenly it’s the end of the semester. Time for panic (and late-night cramming) to ensue.
While cramming is sometimes unavoidable, it is possible to set up a good routine and realistic study plan. With these tips, anyone will be set to go by the end of the term, and those dreaded exams roll around.
1. Keep an Up to Date Calendar
There are a few different ways to set up a calendar for the term or even the entire school year. Whatever format or platform someone ends up choosing, the only important thing is having one. Most schools/academic departments or lecturers provide a list of important dates that students need to know. Such as the dates for exams, important assignments, school events, and so forth. These are the first set of items every student should start to plan their calendar around.
The calendar should be kept as up-to-date as possible and revised when necessary as things change. This calendar is the central tool around which weekly and daily planners can be set up to ensure that everything gets tackled on time.
2. List the Things That Have to Get Done
Making lists seem boring at times, but they can help to organize ideas and get a birds-eye view of the big picture. List the most important items first, so it’s clear that they have to get the most focus. It can also be a good idea to list those things in order of how long it will take to complete them. This way, it’s easy to start with the most time-consuming things first and get them done on time.
3. Set up a Weekly Schedule
Many students tend to think they have to set up a study schedule right away, but this isn’t always practical. For one, most students don’t know what their workload is going to look like at the start of the semester. And failing to meet those expectations so early on can feel very discouraging.
Unlike the overall calendar, the weekly schedule plan should provide a more detailed look at the things that have to get done each day. At the start of every week, sit down and list the classes, assignments, and tests for that week. Then fit in a study schedule around those items and only then add other activities like workouts and hanging out with friends. But only get started with a study and revision schedule after a clear look at the semester’s workload and outcomes.
Make sure to go through this schedule every day and reschedule any items that didn’t get completed that day. Also, check if there’s anything to prepare for the next day.
4. Don’t Let Procrastination Win
Everybody procrastinates sometimes, and that isn’t even necessarily a bad thing. But it is a problem when procrastination becomes the norm. One good way to stay focused is to set up a dedicated study space free from other distractions. Dividing a study schedule into hard blocks with breaks in-between helps, as it’s almost impossible to focus continuously for 4 hours non-stop.
Also, there are different types of study methods. What works for one student, such as studying in groups, may not work for another. Figure out what works and use tools like whiteboards and flashcards if necessary to help retain focus.
5. Don’t Let Social Media Take Over
It’s easy to get distracted by social media, and before anyone realizes it, two hours are gone. That is time that could have been put to much better use – especially considering the downsides of social media. This isn’t to say that no one should be using any social platforms, but moderation is key. Also, make sure to use some protection like a VPN when browsing online to avoid creeps and other threats. If you want to start your cybersecurity journey, you can try a free VPN trial. It’s one of the easiest ways to stay online these days.
Conclusion
Time management when studying at university is an important skill to grasp if you want to achieve academic success.
Remember that while it can feel like an overwhelming process to get through the coursework, it is okay to ask for help. In fact, relying on the expertise of teachers or extra tutors and setting up study groups can be immensely helpful. Not only because they may be able to give extra insight into the coursework but also because they might provide additional helpful study techniques.
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