Time Management Strategies for College Students

Planners

Using a planner can be a great way to keep track of upcoming projects and due dates. Also, it is important to include when to start assignments and studying. Digital options are super handy since you probably already have your phone on you, but there are many fun paper planning options.

Digital Planner Options

• Apple Calendar- Within the Apple calendar you can create a calendar for each class. Also, some LMSs (Blackboard, Canvas) will sync to your calendar so you have due dates already available. You can also access your calendar on different devices when logging in to your AppleID.

• Google Calendar- Similar to the Apple calendar, you can create different calendars, and oftentimes sync with your school's LMS. You can also access the Google calendar from different devices.

• Goodnotes (IPad)- There are many planner templates you can upload into Goodnotes. This gives students a paper feel, but with the convenience of digital access.

How to make the best use out of your planner:

1. In the first week of class gather all of your Syllabi.

2. Use your planner of choice and mark down all due dates in the planner.

3. Go back through and put in any additional obligations (work, childcare, social, etc...).

4. Go back through again and put when you need to study for the exams, read materials, and start projects.

5. Decide on a set time/day each week to review what is coming up that week and make any minor adjustments. Be sure to review your planner each day to ensure you are on track.

Fixed Commitment Calendar

A fixed commitment calendar is great if you start to feel like you have no time left in your day. This tool helps you see blocks in your schedule that you can use to study.

How to use the fixed commitment calendar:

1. Print off the fixed commitment calendar.

2. Pull out your favorite coloring supplies (markers, pencils, crayons).

3. Pick a color for each of the small gray boxes, and color them in.

4. In the lines next to the boxes write down any fixed responsibilities you have- class times, choir practice, work, etc...

5. Using the time blocks below use the corresponding color to color in when these events happen.

6. This will show you the blocks of available time in your schedule to squeeze in study time.

Tip: Only color in things that are usually happening every single week.

Fixed Commitment Calendar

Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix can help when you feel overwhelmed with tasks.

First, you can write down all of the tasks you have to get done. Then, using the matrix categorize the tasks into Urgent and Important, Urgent but Not Important, Not Urgent but Important, Not Important and Not Urgent. After you have classified your tasks you will have a list of what to do, delegate, decide (when to do), and don't do.

Pomodoro Method

The Pomodoro method is a method that can be used to break large daunting tasks into easy-to-manage chunks.

History of the Technique

This technique was developed during the 1980s by Francesco Cirillo who was a student at the time. Cirillo struggled to focus on his assignments, and on completing them. When he felt overwhelmed, he asked himself to spend just 10 minutes of focused study time. To do this, he found a tomato (Pomodoro in Italian) shaped kitchen timer, and that is how the Pomodoro technique was born (The Pomodoro Technique).

The Pomodoro Technique - why it works & how to do it. Todoist. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2021, from https://todoist.com/productivity-methods/pomodoro-technique.