As you’ve probably read in previous blog posts, organizing your time and creating a schedule is one of the best ways to succeed in college. However, creating a realistic plan is hard when you have work and school going on. So, how can you come up with a way to fit all your duties in one place? Follow these seven tips and stop worrying about not having enough hours in a day.
1. Write all your activities down
Before you get started with your study schedule, sit down and make a list of all the activities that require some of your time. Add up how many hours a week you work, if you have children or a family you must take care of and any other duties such as clubs, sports or other courses. Once you have an idea of how much time you need to dedicate to each aspect of your life, it will be easier to begin working on a schedule.
2. Have clear and measurable goals
Even though reading 100 pages in one hour might be your dream, you can’t create an unrealistic schedule that you won’t be able to actually do. Remember that in college, quality is more important than quantity, and this should be reflected in your schedule.
3. Leave time for breaks
Once you have finished your schedule, try to add short periods of time for breaks. After studying for one or two hours, 10 or 20-minute breaks will make it much easier to concentrate and take in the content you are studying.
4. Don’t try to fit in too much
We know it is hard for students to work full-time, have a family and go to school. This is why it is important to avoid trying to do too much and exhausting yourself. At the end of the day, the purpose of a study schedule is to find times to study, not take away all your time and leave you mentally drained.
5. Plan ahead
The best time to start creating a study schedule is at the beginning of every month. If you do it at the last minute or a couple days before finals, you won’t be able to leave room for unexpected events such as doctor visits, flat tires and last-minute extra credit opportunities.
6. Vocalize your concerns
When you are working on your schedule, make sure to communicate with your family, boss and professors. If there is a day that will need to be rescheduled, let them know ahead of time and try your best to work something out. Remember that these people are willing to help you as long as you give advanced notice and stick to commitments.
7. Stick to your schedule
Once you have followed all the steps above, remember that creating a schedule is pointless if you put it under the bed and forget about it. Try your best to stick to it and, even though it might be hard, avoid switching hours and leaving today’s tasks for tomorrow. Keep in mind that you created the schedule to help you succeed.
At South College, we work with our students to find a way in which they can attend classes without leaving their jobs and family aside. To learn more about our programs and how we can come up with a flexible schedule for you, visit our website and reach out today.
