Many would argue that time is the most important tool for a student in their pursuit of a degree at a college or university of choice. The university offers a wealth of benefits and opportunities to the average student beyond academics alone. With a variety of resources for both recreation and personal development, students have a diverse array of extracurriculars to choose from based on their needs and interests.

College life is a microcosm, possessing an ecosystem similar to that of the ‘outside world’ where the student not only gains the benefit of academic study but also practical experiences related to their fields, passions, and interests before graduation. For example, those interested in politics typically involve themselves in the student bodies and governments of their various clubs, halls of residence, departments, or the principal student union, depending on their level of ambition and desire. Those interested in technology, robotics, and related fields often join tech-related clubs like GDSC and IEEE. Those passionate about craft, self-defense, music, or art join relevant peer groups or clubs, further immersing themselves in these fields and obtaining levels of activity and experience they ordinarily would not have in the classroom.

As evident, the average scholar is usually involved in more than one activity besides academic learning, usually due to interests originating from passions, hobbies, or career paths. More often than not, students, especially freshmen, make the mistake of joining in on numerous activities; they lose focus on their main objective——their academics. More veteran students who have come to possess some level of ambition may volunteer for a number of roles, amassing items on their portfolio of engagement without proper thought and inadequate understanding of the demands of these ventures. As a result, they may find themselves easily burned out, incredibly demotivated, or with zero progress in any of the tasks or responsibilities required of them, often causing further harm to their reputation amongst other members of these organizations and also to their academic evaluations. A loss on all fronts.

Whereas, there exists another subgroup of students who take a step back to evaluate their decisions and place incredible weight and value on their time. They are the native believers of the statement “Time is Money.” (Ironically, some may not verbally agree with this saying, their actions suggest otherwise). They participate in events only when they can afford to and take on additional responsibilities only after assessing their value and determining that they can manage the required time effectively.

Thus, Time Management, proper planning and decision making are skills of extreme importance for the ambitious student to excel in all fronts and utilize to the best of his abilities, the opportunities presented him during his study.

Effective Time Management

On the road to effective time management, many motivated students fall into the trap of rigidity rather than fluidity in planning. They create personal timetables of which they plan to follow for a specified period of time e.g. a semester, mapping out plans from classes to cooking, travel, or even eating time, allocating definite time lengths to these activities. However, they are sometimes left feeling lost or with wasted time when these activities do not go as intended, such as waking up late, dealing with an emergency, or having classes canceled, resulting in sudden free spaces.

Fluidity, however, is crucial for a more disciplined and well-planned day. Fluidity in one’s plans might involve setting the tasks or agenda for the day after waking up, based on the priority levels and mandatory events of that day. In case of an interruption, there is a definite plan of items that must be completed on that day, allowing the student to adjust properly. For example, if an unexpected event occurs, the student can quickly reorganize their schedule to focus on high-priority tasks, ensuring that essential responsibilities are still met while accommodating the change. This approach not only helps maintain productivity but also reduces stress and promotes a more balanced and adaptable routine.

Effective Strategies for Better Time Management

Effective time management is essential for students to balance their academic responsibilities with personal activities and extracurricular engagements. Here are some strategies to help students manage their time efficiently:

1. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is the first step in effective time management. Goals provide direction and motivation. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less overwhelming and more attainable.

2. Prioritize each task

Not all tasks are of equal importance. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize:

– Urgent and Important: Do these tasks first.
– Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these tasks.
– Urgent but Not Important: Delegate if possible.
– Not Urgent and Not Important: Consider eliminating these tasks.

3. Create a Schedule

Use tools like planners, calendars, or digital apps to map out specific tasks and deadlines on forthcoming dates. Allocate specific time blocks (e.g. hours of the day, days of the week, etc.) for studying, attending classes, extracurriculars and completing assignments. Include time for breaks and leisure activities to maintain balance. An example would be having a preferred daily cooking time, and a preferred day to practice swimming.

4. Use a To-Do List

A daily to-do list helps you stay focused and organized. List tasks in order of priority early off in the day or the night before and check them off as you complete them. This not only provides a sense of accomplishment but also ensures that nothing is forgotten.

5. Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is a significant time-waster. Combat it by breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting short deadlines, and rewarding yourself for completing tasks on time. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break.

6. Minimize Distractions

Identify and minimize distractions while studying. This could mean studying in a quiet place, turning off notifications on your phone, or using apps that block distracting websites. Create a dedicated study space that is free from interruptions.

7. Practice Time Blocking

Time blocking involves allocating specific blocks of time for different activities. During these blocks, focus solely on the assigned task. This technique helps ensure that each task gets adequate attention and reduces the chances of multitasking, which can be inefficient.

8. Take Care of Yourself

Effective time management also involves self-care. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. A healthy body and mind are crucial for maintaining focus and productivity.

9. Learn to Say No

It’s important to recognize your limits. If you’re overwhelmed with tasks, learn to say no to additional commitments. This rule doesn’t only apply to others but to oneself as there are significant cases where the student possess a strong desire for the activity but not the capability. This will help you focus on your current priorities and avoid spreading yourself too thin.

10. Reflect and Adjust

As is the benefit of fluid planning, it allows for review. Regularly review your time management strategies to see what works and what doesn’t. Reflect on your progress and make adjustments as needed. This will help you continuously improve your time management skills.

Effective time management is a vital skill for students, enabling them to achieve academic success while maintaining a balanced life. By setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, creating schedules, and practicing self-care, students are able to manage their time efficiently and reduce stress.

 

By: Ekop Samuel
Webmaster 23/24