Time Management Tips for College Students
Time management is a skill that many college students struggle with and we understand! For many students, college is the first time that they are in charge of their own schedules. Parents aren’t there reminding them when to eat meals, go to bed, get to practice, or even study. That is why we created this comprehensive guide full of time management tips. At College Success Plan, our goal is to help students develop the skills they need to succeed both in and outside of the classroom. We aim to provide parents with resources and tools that can help them guide their students as they navigate college. In some cases, students need a little extra support. If you feel that your student could benefit from a virtual academic coach to support them as they pursue success in college, click here to get in touch with our team of experienced college coaches. Keep reading for our list of 7 things your student can do to better manage their time this semester.
Take Breaks
Scheduling breaks is just as important as scheduling assignments, projects, and study time. Burnout can negatively impact the productivity a student needs to best complete their work. We suggest setting a timer for 45 of uninterrupted studying. Once the time is up, go on a short walk or go get a drink of water. It is important that students give their brain and eyes a break between longer periods of studying. One thing to avoid when taking a break is spending more time scrolling on your computer or on social media. This kind of break can leave students feeling more overwhelmed and overloaded with information. Productive breaks can include daydreaming, meditating, getting fresh air, calling a friend, or even doing a small chore. Breaks like these allow your brain to recharge, helping students feel refreshed when it is time to dive back into studying.
Don’t Nap Between Classes
Falling behind on sleep can have a negative impact on your student’s mental focus and immune system, so be sure they are getting enough sleep each night. In order for students to best manage their time, it is recommended to get 7-9 hours of sleep. This will help minimize the desire to nap and leave time for a healthy balance of productive schoolwork and time with friends. Time between classes can be much better spent reviewing notes or catching up on required reading. If your student has a tendency to nap between classes, encourage them to find a productive study spot outside of their dorm. This will help mitigate the temptation of crawling into bed for a quick scrolling session and nap.
Think of School as a 9-5 Job
One of the best tips we share with students is to treat school like a 9-5 workday. They get up and attend class and stay on campus. Encourage them to get homework done throughout the day and make a block schedule of what that will look like. Using this type of schedule gives them the freedom to hang out with friends at night knowing their work is done. It also prepares them for the working world post-college.
Listen to Readings in Audio Format
If your student is a kinesthetic learner, meaning they learn better when they are active, encourage them to use audiobooks. Listening to an audiobook while taking a walk or a drive is an excellent way to absorb information. Many professors will post links to audio recordings of assigned readings right on their portal pages. There are also several Text-to-Speech (apps) for students to try. If your student has a hard time focusing, or sitting in one spot for an extended period of time, this is an excellent tool that can help them maximize their time spent studying.
Print Out the Professor’s PowerPoint Slides
Simplify note-taking by printing out the professor's PowerPoint slides before class. Not only will this give students the ability to review notes ahead of time, but they can use them to take handwritten notes during lectures. Never underestimate the value of handwritten note-taking. It has been proven that taking notes by hand can help students retain information better than typing.
Stop By Office Hours
There are endless benefits of taking advantage of professors’ office hours, especially if it is a class or subject that your student struggles with. One of the best things your student can do in order to succeed in college is to ask their professor how his or her most successful students prepare for classes and exams. Visiting office hours not only helps students get to know their professors, it also demonstrates incentive and motivation, which can go a long way when it comes to grades and letters of recommendation down the road.
Assess How Much Time is Really Spent on Studying & Homework
Encourage your student to be honest with themselves! Chances are, they know their downfalls - whether it is social media, gaming, or just hanging out with friends. Remind your student that it is important, essential even, to schedule time for the things they enjoy in their week so they can balance their studies without feeling like they are missing out.
Does your student need additional hands-on support? Get in touch with our team at College Success Plan to see how our coaches can best support your student and your family.