In your opinion, what is the most valuable resource for college students? There's no doubt about it, it's time. Students sometimes wonder where all the time went when it just seems to fly by. It affects working students especially.
An estimated 72% of college students combine education and work during the school year, with 20% working full-time, according to a 2014 study by the Census Bureau. College students often have trouble managing their time, and planning and managing it effectively is a special art. To make some extra money on the side and do your best at college, check out these 5 time management strategies:
1. Develop a schedule
Creating a flexible schedule is a good way to fit your homework when you’re not at college. Maintain a calendar, write down what you need to fulfill every day and check them off as you complete it. If you have trouble keeping track of your schedule, use a planner or smartphone that to help yourself. Therefore, find time for your family, friends and yourself. Don’t forget to add things like groceries, family dinners, weekly social activities or even reading a book to your calendar.
2. Establish self-discipline
Keeping your study process organized can save you some time during the week. There are a lot of useful habits that you can develop and grow: to establish priorities for several courses, take great lecture notes, create a comfortable study environment, avoid destructive websites, collaborate with your tutors and classmates and visit your school’s tutoring center.
4. Organize yourself rationally
Want to be successful at work? Follow the similar rules that were introduced above. Create a list of urgent and less urgent tasks, note meetings to attend, emails that you need to reply to and other important things you have to fulfill towards the end of a workday. Organize your workspace, notes, always interact with your co-workers and communicate with your manager regularly that they understand your irreplaceable role in the company.
4. Be able to cope with anxiety
It’s important to keep college and work separately. Try not to carry your textbooks to work, and don’t bring your notes from your office to college. Moreover, try to take regular pauses every few hours, eat healthy food, do regular exercises and get enough sleep. If you feel drowsy, take a short 20 minutes nap. All of these things will positively affect your anxiety levels.
5. Whenever you need help, don't hesitate to ask
Focus on doing your best and be positive no matter what. If you are stuck on some problem while doing your assignment and can’t figure out where to go next, ask for help, don’t wait till the end of your deadline. Learning how to solve problems on your own is important, but if you have limited time, get advice from your tutors, classmates, or colleagues.