College 101

Time Management Hacks for Busy College Students

With a never-ending to-do list, assignments, extracurricular activities, and social obligations, college can sometimes be overwhelming. It's easy to get bogged down by the demands of  college life and sometimes, you may struggle to keep up with the pace. Luckily, with the right time management skills, you can stay on top of your game and achieve your goals without sacrificing your physical and mental health.

Here are some time management hacks that can help you make the most of your time as a college student.

Use a Planner

Keeping a planner can help you stay organized and prioritize your tasks. By identifying the most important tasks, and focusing on them first, you are better able to stay on track and avoid procrastination. Don't forget to make sure you're leaving time for breaks and meals. There are all kinds of planners available in both physical and digital form, so find the one that works best for you. 

Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks

Breaking down larger to-do items into smaller, more manageable tasks can help you to stay motivated and prevent burnout. It is important to remember that the goals you set should be achievable and realistic. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration which could derail your motivation and productivity. 

Minimize Distractions

Turn your phone off, or switch to do not disturb, and find a quiet and comfortable space to work in. This will help you stay focused and avoid distractions. If working at home is too distracting for you, head to campus and try to work out of the student lounge or the library. 

Visit the Library

Learn to Say No

This one can be tricky because FOMO(fear of missing out) is a real thing, however taking on more than you can realistically handle is only going to hurt your mental health in the long run. Learn to say no to requests that don't align with your goals or priorities. And while it might be tempting to schedule as many courses as you can cram into a semester, doing so might hurt you more than help you. Work with your counselor on creating a course schedule that you can manage!

Meet with your counselor

Get Good Sleep

Prioritize your sleep schedule and make sure you're getting enough sleep each night. Not only will getting quality sleep help you stay energized and focused throughout the day, it will also help keep your physical and mental health in a good place. By consistently getting inadequate sleep, you are putting yourself at risk of getting sick and ensuring that your mental health suffers. If you ever do feel yourself getting sick, take advantage of TimelyCare - Free Telehealth for West Hills Falcons.

Get TimelyCare

Reward Yourself

Set achievable goals and reward yourself when you accomplish them. This can come in many forms such as taking a break, treating yourself to something you enjoy or simply acknowledging your accomplishment. Rewarding yourself can serve as positive reinforcement which can then boost your motivation.

Incorporating these time management strategies into your routine can allow you to make the most of your college experience and achieve your goals while preserving or even improving your physical and mental health. It is important to remember that time management is a skill that takes time and practice to develop so be patient, give yourself grace, and keep working at it. 

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