Time management is a skill that all students need, and it requires a lot of hard work to acquire one. Being a college or university student means that from now on there are no parents who will take control of your study and remind you about an assignment that you are supposed to prepare for tomorrow as they used to do when you were at school. Because of an overloaded schedule that requires a full-time commitment, you may struggle with finding time for your study, friends, and even for yourself, and you are not alone. Many students who plan their days admit that they find it difficult, if not impossible, to realize those plans in full by the end of the day. So, below we have a few time-management tips that every student should consider:


Learn more about yourself

All students study differently: some boys and girls feel motivated early in the morning, others prefer late-night study, some learn better in quiet, while many learn best outside with those many people walking and talking around. Nothing is right or wrong, some things are just the way they are. That is why you should find out what time of the day is best for you to study. Then take this information into account when planning your next study session for maximum productivity.


Get a calendar and come up with a to-do list

Make sure you have all your exam dates written down in your calendar. This is how you will always know exactly how much time is left for you to prepare for another test. Develop a few to-do lists, – one for daily and one for monthly goals – considering your calendar. You should be realistic about your goals. Using hourly calendars doesn’t always make sense mainly because it is very likely that you will need more time for a particular assignment than expected and thereby will fall behind the planned schedule all the time.


Take advantage of the Pomodoro technique

This study technique has been developed for all learners to boost their concentration. The main idea behind using it is to break your study session into 25-minute periods with a 5-minute rest one between them. Every fourth cycle should be followed by a long break which may last up to thirty minutes or so. By doing so, it will be easier for you to get all your assignments done without feeling any fatigue. Many students admit that they use this technique regularly and it really shows great results. So, give it a try, too!


Plan ahead of time

It is great if every time you go to bed you have a clear idea of what you need to do the following day. So, don’t put your daily planning on a waiting list, do it the night before. This is how you can prepare your brain for everything you will be involved in during the next 14-16 hours. It will not take you long to make a to-do list. Believe it, a quarter of an hour will be enough for you to think about your plans for the next day and write them down so that you don't have to keep them in your head.


If you need help, ask for it!

When you are working hard on a project but don’t feel like finishing it any time soon, don’t exhaust yourself and seek some help. Asking for help is what most learners do regularly, and it is okay! You can ask your friend to help you after classes or you can hire a tutor who will explain what you don’t understand – whatever you do, it all helps. That is why it is important to start doing your assignments ahead of time so that you always have enough time for finding a good tutor or ordering your papers from a professional writer.


Have a social life

Students study most of the time, many of them even manage to work either evenings or weekends, but what about their social life? How often do they go out and meet their friends? It is clear that not often. Make sure you don’t do this mistake!

Having a life aside from studying is crucial – it is the time when you can relax and be yourself. So, plan your days so that you always have a free hour or two for your friends; otherwise, you will soon feel depressed and frustrated. Having some time free from learning will give you a great chance to stay away from your books and laptop at least for a while, which will make it much easier for you to concentrate on your homework later.


Treat yourself

Finally, every time you complete another assignment treat yourself. No matter whether it is a piece of cake, chocolate, a cup of coffee with your best friends, or your favorite book – it must be something that you like. This is how you will always stay motivated, especially when you don’t feel like under the weather. Moreover, engaging with the things that you enjoy will help you keep a balance between study and pleasure. However, make sure that your treats don’t distract you from learning.


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