• Tools
• Quick Links

Time Management

Following is a method that can be applied to your everyday life. If you begin following a schedule in the beginning of the semester, you will find that you will have much more control of your time and your life. You will also find that after a few weeks of “sticking to” your schedule, it will become a routine for you.

It’s as easy as eating, and works in the same manner. The body is accustomed to eating according to a schedule. If it is 5:00 and you usually eat at 5:00, you normally will feel hungry at this time. The mind operates in a similar fashion. It must also become accustomed to studying at a certain time; therefore, studying must become as routine as eating has become for you already.

Follow these steps when you make your study schedule:
(Here’s a template to help.)

1. Block out the times you are in class first.
2. Block out the times you are at work, if you have a job.
3. Block out at least 7 hours for sleep every night and get up by 8 a.m. each weekday!
4. Schedule one hour three times daily for meals.
5. Schedule time to study for each class.
   • In the beginning, schedule 2 hours of study time for each hour you spend in class. For example, if your psychology class meets for 3 hours per week, you should schedule 6 hours weekly to study psychology. As you get used to your classes, you may find you’ll need more or less study time for each class. At this point, you may want to readjust your schedule.
   • Do not schedule study time past 9:00 p.m., unless it is absolutely necessary. Schedule as much study time as possible during the daylight hours. Your retention level is much higher during the day.
   • Schedule study time before participation- type classes so that you can review your notes and reading and be prepared to participate in class.
   • Schedule study time after lecture-type classes so that you can review your notes and make any additions you may have missed in class.
6. Keep Friday evening, Saturday evening, and, if possible, all Saturday open for recreation. Use a few hours Sunday afternoon, or early evening, to prepare yourself for the week ahead.
7. All time not scheduled for study, work, eating, or sleeping, is YOUR time for recreation, laundry, cleaning, etc. You should have time to do the things you enjoy. It’s very important that you take time for yourself, that you enjoy recreation, and private time for reflection.