Time management for students

By Mohamed Berrada

For students starting university, learning to manage your time on a day-to-day basis is a major priority. It can be hard to juggle courses, homework, social activities, and maybe even a part-time job. Fitting it all in can be quite the puzzle, especially for young adults. But with effective organization and a few helpful tips, you can find the balance you need to succeed without running yourself ragged.

Here are a few tips for optimizing your time to study, work, and play smart.

Get organized at the start of the year

Effective organization is essential to avoiding overwork and stress, especially once deadlines start to pile up.

Start planning when the semester starts: Take the time to put all your important dates—like exams, deadlines, and social events—into your calendar. This allows you to visualize your semester and get organized before busy periods.
Incorporate flexibility: Don’t overschedule yourself! Make sure you can still get your projects in on time and attend planned events, even if something unexpected crops up.
Take note of your productivity flow: Do you work better in the morning or the evening? Plan your study sessions for when your focus is best.

Task management tools go a long way

Countless apps and tools can help you stay organized and manage your tasks. Here are just a few options:

Calendar apps: Input your classes, appointments, and deadlines into a digital timetable like Google Calendar. Automatic reminders can help you stay on top of your obligations.
Task management tools: Apps like Trello and Todoist can help you prioritize your tasks using daily to-do lists that help you visualize what needs to get done. You might even feel a sense of accomplishment to check off finished tasks!
Prioritize important tasks: Distinguishing between urgent and non-urgent tasks is an important skill. The Eisenhower Matrix can help you to prioritize by dividing your tasks into four categories depending on their urgency and importance.

Find balance with studying, leisure, and work

Many students work part-time to make ends meet, but that can make it all the harder to balance studying, leisure, and work. Here are a few tips to consider:

Limit your work hours: Try not to work more than 15 to 20 hours per week so your job doesn’t interfere with your studies. Look for a flexible job that lets you plan your hours around your academic needs, like with the library or food service on campus.
Find a job suited for students: Some jobs are better for students than others. Working as a library assistant, residence advisor, or student services employee can involve flexible hours. At some jobs, you might even be able to study during quiet periods.

Techniques to improve productivity

Now that you’ve organized your busy schedule, streamline your productivity to make the most of your study time.

Try focused work intervals (Pomodoro Technique): The Pomodoro Technique consists of 25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break. After four intervals, take a longer break of 15 to 30 minutes. This method can enhance concentration during study sessions while still providing enough breaks to keep fatigue at bay.
Choose an appropriate work environment: Find a place to work where you can devote total concentration to your tasks. This may be a quiet library, a café, or a dedicated space at home. Minimize the distractions around you to maximize your concentration.
Limit digital distractions: Disable your phone notifications or use apps like Forest to discourage phone use during study sessions.

Optimizing time management is an essential component of academic success and a balanced lifestyle. These tools can improve productivity and help you find a happy medium between obligations and fun. Whether you’re juggling studies with part-time work or just your social life, staying organized is a great way to get the most out of your university experience—without unneeded stress.