School can be challenging when it comes to balancing academics, social life, and work. Some people are naturally better at time management than others, but there are a few common tricks that you can use to boost your own productivity and make sure that you’re on top of your schooling and meeting important deadlines. Here are 7 of our best time management tips for students that will be sure to make school smooth and successful.
1. Define And Prioritize Tasks
When you’re working on a large project, it can be tempting to try to do it all at once. While this may seem like the most efficient way to get a lot done, in reality, it usually leads to nothing getting done by the deadline and frustration. It is important to work on the most time sensitive tasks first and prioritize the rest based on need. Having a clear picture of what needs to get done is the first step to better time management. Defining the tasks ahead is the only way to really know what needs to get done so you can plan accordingly.
2. Break Up Big Tasks
The best way to approach a project that has multiple steps is to break them down into smaller tasks and complete one at a time. Only take on what you realistically can finish in one work or study session. It may feel like you’re off to a slow start, but breaking up a large project into smaller sections will actually ensure that you move at the right pace. Time management is about dividing up your time and work so that it makes sense for your life and allows you to get the most done.
3. Use A Checklist
There is no better time management tool than the checklist. A worksheet full of different activities can be a great way to ensure you’re hitting all of your deadlines and that everything is accounted for. There are a few different ways that you can build your checklist and use them on a regular basis for maximum efficiency and it’s important to find a style that works for you. Using them as reference during school will allow you to stay on track and avoid missing any important tasks or projects. Make sure you’re always looking back at your checklist because they can be the difference between a successful school year and one that suffers under pressure.
4. Create Rewards
Creating a reward system can be a great way to help keep you motivated and focused on your goals. It does not have to be something major that will be a large expense. It could be as simple as treating yourself to a meal out with friends when you accomplish something important. Just make sure that the reward is something you really appreciate and it will keep you working toward your goals. By creating a system of rewards for yourself, it will be easier for you to stay on track. Rewards are a great way to give your tasks an even greater purpose outside of your education and can make school exciting when you reach a goal.
5. Set A Schedule
Having a schedule is one of the simplest ways to stay on track. It is important to set a schedule and make sure that you stick with it. This will help you plan ahead and avoid any last minute rush that can lead to missed deadlines and work being done poorly. Doing things at the same time every day will keep you from having any surprises and allow you to actually get more done throughout the day if you complete a task ahead of schedule. By planning ahead, it will help you stay organized and avoid confusion. It’s important to create a schedule that makes sense for you and not try to cram too much in during one single day.
6. Use Audext.com For Transcribing Lectures
Audext.com is automatic audio to text transcription service, which provides you with an option to automatically transcribe lectures, interviews, and business meetings audio files into text for you to reference later on. It’s a really useful website that allows you to save time on long lectures where you would otherwise have to spend hours typing out the notes by hand. If you are a slow notetaker or want to be able to quickly reference lecture material, later on, Audext.com is an amazing tool that will help you save time and energy during school. This service is extremely helpful during school and allows you to get the most out of a lecture without being distracted with trying to quickly take notes.
7. Set Realistic Goals
People often try to fit too much work into a single day. As a result, they end up finishing everything late and without the level of quality that they hope for. It’s important to set realistic goals and make sure that you can meet them within your allotted time. Make sure you’re dividing up your tasks into reasonable chunks and stay focused on what really needs to get done. Setting realistic goals is the best way to set yourself up for success and give you the best shot at managing your time in an efficient way. It is crucial to understand your own capabilities and what is reasonable for you to complete in a certain time frame. Don’t push yourself too much and you’ll find this is much more sustainable.
Final Thoughts
The best way to better your time management is to keep trying different methods and seeing what works based on your lifestyle. No two people are the same, so it’s important to make sure that you’re using what works best for you. There are a lot of great time management ideas out there that can help you get things done at school, but these 7 tips are the best place to start to ensure you’re using your time wisely. By focusing on your goals and using the right tools, you can manage your time well and stay focused on your education.