Time-management hacks to nail this year

Scheduling and organizing can make a difference during the school year!

The summer months bring a sense of relief to students, as schedules lighten up and many don’t have to juggle school and work responsibilities at the same time.

However, not having a summer routine can negatively impact your back-to-school transition. With assignments piling up, deadlines filling out the calendar and work hours still demanding your attention, the school year can end up being an academic disaster.

As the fall semester approaches faster than assignment deadlines, a good way to prepare for the school year is to have time-management skills in the bag. Time management isn’t only crucial for acing your exams but also for making time to enjoy personal activities and relax. After all, maintaining a school-life balance lays the foundations for a successful future.

So, as you gather all your essentials for your first-year or back-to-school journey, incorporate these time-management hacks to ensure you stay on top of your game.

Set realistic goals

Picture of three pens on top of a white paper with a goal review. — *Picture by Isaac Smith via Unsplash.*

This may not seem like time-management advice at first, but trust me, setting realistic goals is crucial for effective time management.

We have to be honest: sometimes plans don’t go the way we want. Unforeseen circumstances can slow you down and you may not accomplish everything you set out to do in a day. In addition, if you were a 95 per cent average student in high school, it’s important to understand that your GPA may drop initially. Post-secondary education is very different from high school, and not anticipating challenges can be your downfall.

So, be patient with yourself and understand that flexibility is key. Set realistic academic and personal goals for your first year and stick to those, but be ready to adapt quickly as you navigate the school year.

Understanding your goals and plans is essential for mastering time management in the post-secondary environment.

Use a calendar

A September paper calendar on top of a wooden table. — *Picture by Blessing Ri via Unsplash.*

If there’s something that post-secondary students hate, it’s getting caught off guard by an assignment due the next morning. With multiple classes and assignments to juggle, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines. That’s why, having a well-organized calendar is a must for successful time management.

Make sure to place your calendar where you’ll see it every time. Personally, I have a large whiteboard calendar hung next to my desk, which helps me keep track of my assignment deadlines while working on them. The key is to keep your calendar in a spot you frequently see, so your upcoming tasks stay fresh in your mind.

If you prefer a digital calendar, consider using apps like Google Calendar, Calendly or Outlook Calendar.

Prioritize your tasks

A person writing on a glass with a red marker. — *Picture by Kvalifik via Unsplash.*

Too many tasks with too little time? Unfortunately, this is often the reality of your schedule during the academic year. But, there’s a strategy to tackle this challenge – prioritize your tasks.

The first step is evaluation. Consider your deadlines and how much energy you have to dedicate to each task. Start with shorter, simpler tasks that you can complete quickly before moving on to larger projects. This will reduce some of the pressure by allowing you to check off a few items from your list.

Even with prioritizing and organizing, there will be times when you can’t finish everything on time. Having a schedule helps you anticipate these situations, making it easier to ask your professors for extensions in advance. Communicating early is crucial for your professor to understand your struggles and offer support.

Establish a study routine

A person using their laptop. — *Picture by Bonnie Kittle via Unsplash.*

Are you a spontaneous person? Well, let me tell you, studying can’t be spontaneous. Going with the flow and doing assignments whenever you feel like it can lead to your academic defeat. So, it’s best to establish a study routine.

Set specific times each day dedicated to studying. If your calendar says you’ll study from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., stick to it. This won’t only help you to stay on top of your assignments but also allow you to watch your favourite show or grab dinner with a friend in the evening instead of scrambling to finish a last-minute assignment.

If you don’t know how to start, follow a guide on how to create a study plan.

Make time for yourself

A person holding a remote while watching a movie. — *Picture by Jonas Leupe via Unsplash.*

As I mentioned earlier, time management isn’t just about nailing your assignments and making the back-to-school transition a smooth one. It’s also about enhancing school-life balance and making time for yourself.

Take breaks from your work or study sessions and set aside time away from the screen and your textbooks. If you have an activity that enhances mindfulness – which could be anything from practicing a sport to meditation – make sure to schedule it in your calendar.

The truth is, overworking your mind can lead to unproductivity. There’s a strong connection between mental health and academic performance, so it’s important to also prioritize your well being to succeed during the school year.

A person meditating on a beach. — *Picture by Chelsea Gates via Unsplash.*

These are some tips to help you start working on your time-management skills and make your student life easier in the upcoming school year. Don’t forget, if you need any on-campus support with subjects like math or writing, you can visit the Math and Writing Centre at both the Lakeshore and North campuses.

If you have any other time-management hacks that help you get through the academic year, share them with us @shareignite.

Feature image courtesy of Kevin Ku via Unsplash.

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