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