Time Management: 10 Tips for Effective Management

• Effective time management is essential for success in online college, whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. Before classes start, plan how to make the most of your time to achieve the best grades. Here are some valuable tips for managing your time effectively:

1. Prioritise

• Identify the most urgent tasks that need immediate attention and prioritise them over less pressing ones. Create a list and stick to it. Remember, Milk is an excellent tool for time management. It helps you track tasks and integrates seamlessly with Gmail, Outlook calendars, and Evernote.

2. Create a calendar

• Assessments and projects have specific due dates. Mark these dates on your calendar and plan when to begin working on them. Planning ahead allows you to schedule relaxation time as well. If you use Remember the Milk, it easily syncs with all your calendars for seamless organisation.

3. Know your schedule

• Do you focus better in the morning or at night? Working on assignments when you’re not at your peak can negatively impact your success.

4. Be flexible

• As author Ashley Ormon wisely said, “You can’t compensate for lost time. You can only do better in the future.” Class schedules and life itself are unpredictable. When planning your calendar, build in some flexibility for unforeseen events. If something disrupts your day, you can adjust and complete your tasks the following day.

5. Keep healthy habits

• Getting enough sleep keeps your mind sharp. Lack of sleep can lead to stress and negatively impact your performance. While studying, take short breaks to stretch and refresh your brain.

6. Divide and conquer

• Tackle big research papers or projects in small chunks. It’s much easier to manage a 15-page paper by working on it bit by bit rather than cramming it all the week before the deadline. Consider using the Pomodoro method for larger tasks. This technique involves working for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. The Tomato Timer website can help you set up these focused sessions.

7. Don’t procrastinate

• Starting assignments before the due date helps you avoid last-minute stress and subpar work. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with deadlines, try Pareto analysis for time management. The 80/20 rule suggests that 20% of your efforts will yield 80% of the results. Focus on the 20% of tasks that will make the biggest impact.

8. Learn to say no

• Avoid joining the work softball league if your next course is going to be demanding. Friends can reschedule plans if they want to hang out—your upcoming exam is more important than a movie date. Saying no can be difficult, but always remember your main goal.

9. Use time management apps

• We all have smartphones, so make sure to use them wisely. Instead of scrolling through social media, consider downloading a time management app. RescueTime tracks your phone or computer usage and provides insights to help optimise your day. Other apps allow you to create to-do lists, making it easier to manage course assignments and daily tasks.

10. Keep your assignments with you

• Make the most of your lunch breaks—they add up! Use this time for studying or reading during your subway or bus commute. If you have kids, consider working on assignments while they’re at their extracurricular activities.

Conclusion

Effective time management is essential for success in any field. By planning, prioritizing tasks, and using tools like calendars and apps, you can optimise productivity and reach your goals. Make the most of available time, such as lunch breaks and commutes, and stay flexible to handle unexpected events. Managing distractions and maintaining a balance between work and personal life are key. With these strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to face challenges and consistently perform at your best.

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