| For many college students, the time required | | | | the background. Distractions take your |
| for studies comes as a surprise. While | | | | concentration away from the area you need to |
| managing high school schedules presented | | | | be focusing on, which could be hazardous to |
| little problem, college schedules are an | | | | your grades if you are never able to focus on |
| entirely different matter. With more | | | | studying. Distractions also eat into your |
| opportunities for socializing and | | | | time. Your one-hour study block can be |
| extracurricular activities, as well as the | | | | reduced to a half-hour or less with one phone |
| necessity of having a job, keeping up with | | | | call. |
| studies can be difficult. Using time | | | | |
| management techniques not only makes it | | | | - Learn to say no. It is not a crime to say |
| easier to keep up with studies, but can also | | | | no to social invitations or extra work hours |
| help make college life more fun and | | | | when you need to be doing something else. If |
| stress-free. | | | | it is something you would like to do, |
| | | | however, you could suggest another time that |
| The Importance of Scheduling | | | | fits into your schedule. |
| | | | |
| One of the most important things for a | | | | - Combine activities. Combining activities |
| college student to do is create a schedule. | | | | is an excellent way to make the most of your |
| When you register for classes, you receive a | | | | available time. If you are taking the bus, |
| schedule showing your class meeting times. | | | | for example, use that time to study your |
| If you have a job, you have a schedule of | | | | notes or read your textbook. If you are |
| days and times you are required to be at | | | | walking or jogging, try listening to recorded |
| work. Combine these two schedules into one | | | | lectures or notes instead of your usual music |
| master schedule, which can be a calendar, a | | | | selection. |
| planner, a list, or any other method that is | | | | |
| comfortable for you. This provides a quick | | | | - Take care of yourself. Many people fall |
| reference of where you are required to be and | | | | into the rut of trying to work or study at |
| when. From there, you can add blocks for | | | | all times, so they do not take time out for |
| studying, activities that you participate in, | | | | anything else. If you do not take the time |
| and time for socializing. By sticking to the | | | | to take care of yourself, you have higher |
| schedule, you will be able to keep up with | | | | stress levels and you develop a negative |
| your studies and still have time for the fun | | | | attitude. This causes you to procrastinate |
| parts of college life. | | | | and lowers your overall performance. Take |
| | | | the time to eat regular, healthy meals. Get |
| Other Tips | | | | plenty of rest. Make sure you take some time |
| | | | to relax and socialize. While you should not |
| Scheduling is not the only way that college | | | | go overboard, some time spent taking care of |
| students can wisely manage their time. The | | | | you now results in time saved later. |
| following are some commonly used time | | | | |
| management tips: | | | | Good time management skills are crucial to |
| | | | surviving college and making good grades. |
| - Eliminate distractions. Distractions come | | | | Using effective time management techniques |
| in many forms, from well-meaning friends to | | | | results in lower stress, better performance, |
| phone calls to a television playing loudly in | | | | and more fun throughout your college years. |