For most people college can be a huge adjustment and a difficult transition. For many college students, freshman year is really the first time any of us have really been away from home for an extended period of time. We must figure out how to manage our time and get everything done without having parents constantly on our backs reminding us of what needs to be done. There are many ways to manage one’s time.
1. Planner
A planner is my favorite tool to staying organized and managing my time. The ALEC has planners they provide students. Target and many superstores carry more sophisticated planners if a student really wants to plan ahead and stay organized. I always go through my syllabus and mark down all of my projects and exam dates as soon as possible. This prevents me from forgetting about an exam, which ends up in a stressful and last minute cram sesh.
2. Color coding
Color coding is something else many find helpful. It makes important dates and exams pop out. Many like to use a different color for each course. The ALEC also carries something called a “Semester at a Glance” that I post on my wall each semester, which is basically a school calendar where one can mark down every important date. It is helpful to see everything on one piece of paper.
3. To Do Lists
To do lists are absolutely vital for my organization. I like to mark down each night before I go to bed what I want to accomplish the next day and the times I want to do different things at.
4. Cell phone
It is helpful to put important appointments on one’s calendar and the reminders sections in your cell phone. One can use the color system for his/her phone or just put the dates in.
5. Plan ahead
I find the best tool to staying on top of things is by planning ahead. Planning ahead reduces stress that comes with leaving things to the last minute.
Above are just a few of many things that can be done to manage one’s time better. The key is staying organized and planning ahead!