College Student's Guide to Time Management

by

Flora Morris Brown, Ph.D.
Copyright 2006

Studying at the last minute for a test? Missed band practice because you overslept? Many college students find managing their school and personal life frustrating and difficult.

Part of the reason is the lack of experience with managing freedom. For most students college is the first time they've had so much freedom to make decisions about their lives. It's quite intoxicating at first, especially if your parents hovered over you in your elementary and high school years.

But learning to juggle your assignments, personal life and activities is critical for success. Here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Decide where you want to be at the end of college. What career and lifestyle do you want?

2. What school activities and pathways will lead to your goals?

3. Make a calender listing all important assignments, appointments and deadlines for the semester.

4. Don't overcommit. Learn to say "no" to things that don't further your goals and "yes" to things that do.

5. Write down important information on a notepad or to do list.
Don't trust your memory.

Learn more about organization.