1. Control your schedule; Don’t let your schedule control you
Organizational and time management skills are two of the most valuable skills you will ever have. One of the first things she should do at the beginning of each semester is organize the dates of all class tests and project deadlines for each curriculum, and all required meetings and events of each organization. Then all obligations must be recorded in a centralized program that you keep at all times, such as a daily planner, desktop calendar, or even a PDA (personal digital assistant). For the next 4 months, she now knows exactly what she should schedule the rest of her life on.
Next, it is highly recommended that you set out a written schedule to include all the other items you want to create as a routine. Most importantly, this should include study times, such as every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-6:30. Physically block out these time periods every Tuesday and Thursday for the remainder of the semester. Of course, the most important part of creating a schedule is sticking to it. Therefore, be disciplined enough to schedule any less important activities around the more important ones.
2. Ask for help when you need it
Whether it’s academic or organizational responsibilities, everyone reaches a point where they feel overwhelmed. That’s what friends, classmates, and other university resources are for. Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why people don’t seek help when it is available. Some people try to assume too much, trying to prove to themselves that “I can do all this on my own.” Some may not want to admit to people that they “can’t handle it all.” Others may feel they must do everything on their own, because only then will they know it will be done right and on time (an early sign of being a control freak). However, delegating is a learned skill and (when used correctly) can help get tasks completed faster, with fewer mistakes, and less stress.
Academically, seek help when you don’t understand something. There should be plenty of resources available, from writing centers to computer labs to graduate assistants to professors offering office hours. There are also other students who may understand that topic better, or who have even taken the course before. Especially in very large classes, some students may feel intimidated into asking for help. But, the sole purpose of the institution and all of these resources is to help you learn. So use them. Ask for the rope to be thrown before you!
3. Keep a firm grip on your priorities
Understanding what your PRIORITIES are every day is one of the most important keys to college success. It’s also one of the easiest concepts to lose sight of. It’s a fast-paced world, where it’s easy to get distracted by social activities, TV shows, video games, etc. Some people carry a card in their wallet, or even a postcard on their PC, where they list the top 1-5 priorities in their life. Card reads: “What am I doing with my time RIGHT NOW directly contributing to one of my top priorities in life?” If the answer is “No,” that serves as a good reminder that you could be doing something more important.
Everyone has exactly 24 hours each day. People who achieve more in life simply make better use of their 24 hours each day than others. What you do with each of your 24 hours has as much to do with your success during college as any other factor. There’s an old saying that “if it’s important enough to you, make time for it.” Make sure no one is in charge of your time except you. It is one of the most valuable assets you have.
4. Don’t wait until the end of your college career to stop procrastinating (get it?)
Whether it’s an event or a semester project two months away, ask yourself each day “What can be done now instead of later?” Write down when you are going to do something, not just when you have to do it. Give yourself deadlines and put them in writing. So stick with it. Most people put things off because the activity they are supposed to be doing is not as desirable as what they would rather be doing. However, if you complete the tasks early, you can enjoy your free time without worries. This is one of the greatest ways to relieve stress.
If it’s the third day of the month and there’s a project due on the 28th of the month, most students barely have that project on their radar screen yet. Then, they see the project sneak up on their schedule on the 24th or 25th, and they go “Uh-oh!” Plus, they find out there’s an event planned for the 26th, and they have to work their part-time job on the 27th! This lack of planning is what leads to missed deadlines or a project being delivered on time but with poor quality. In addition to poor quality, it also caused undue stress for 4 days. An easy way to tackle projects early is to break your project into several smaller ones. For example, instead of writing a 10-page essay in one night, write 1 page a day for 10 days, or 1 page every other day. This will save time, increase quality, and decrease stress.
5.Go to class
That’s how it is. Skipping class is one of the most dangerous and tempting habits on college campuses today. Sure, you might be able to miss a class here and there, maybe even miss a lot of classes, and still pass if you focus hard enough. However, don’t make things difficult for yourself, make things easy. The more you attend class, the less you’ll have to study and the more time you’ll have for everything else you want or need to do. Teachers also have a way of telling you what’s on the test and explaining the answers in class, but you’re only aware of that if you’re actually in class.
Try to get in the habit of forcing yourself to sit in the front of the class, especially in large classes. Studies show that students retain more information and pay more attention, even if they don’t realize it. It also helps you stay awake. That usually allows you to take better notes, too. And make sure the teacher knows your name!
6. Find a mentor or example of a great student in your organization
Almost every organization has one or more students who are shining examples of balancing extracurricular and academic activities. They’re on the Dean’s List every semester, hold a senior position in the organization, work part-time, and even have a girlfriend or boyfriend. Everyone seems to ask “How do they do it?”
So are they smarter than you? In most cases, ABSOLUTELY NOT! There have been literally millions of college students who were “smart enough” to graduate, but failed in the areas of time management, priorities, and responsibilities. So, understand the habits of those who are successful in balancing college and academic life. Ask them what their secrets are and they will surely be willing to help you. Follow the habits of those who are successful, not those who cost you. It makes sense, doesn’t it?
7. Have fun!
Ok, most college students don’t need help with this tip, right? Enjoy it while you can though, you’re only in college once! Many Americans look back on their college days as the best time of their lives. Believe it or not, professors, administrators, and us college speakers want you to enjoy every minute. Making efficient use of your time and controlling your schedule are important ingredients for enjoyment. They allow you to relieve stress and succeed both in and out of the classroom, so you can have a BOOM during your college career. Good luck!
