University students are constantly bombarded with assignments, tests and exams. And unfortunately, it can be really easy to get sidetracked and have the workload pile up. This is why I have compiled a list of some of my favourite tips for increasing productivity. With these hacks, you will be able to save lots of time and energy and will leave your room to do things that are more fun!
- Plan Accordingly and Make Daily To-Do Lists
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You have probably heard this a hundred times but using some sort of planning tool in university is a must. Most courses are very dense in material, so it is very easy to miss deadlines and fall behind. Investing in an agenda or using an electronic planning tool like Google Calendar will help you to stay organized. Knowing what days you have assessments or assignments can allow you to plan accordingly so you maximize your chances of doing your very best. Always plan ahead as much as you can. This way, you can have extra time to review content or spare time to do more enjoyable things.
Based on your agenda or calendar, you should make daily to-do lists. Make sure that your to-do list is realistic. Adding too much to your plate can make you feel very overwhelmed. You will also feel bad if you do not get everything done. So, it is best to make an achievable to-do list. I always like to get the simple tasks that take little time to complete out of the way first. This can be things such as replying to an email or writing a discussion post. This way your to-do list shortens quickly, leaving you to feel less stressed. Not to mention, crossing items off your to-do list is a big motivation booster.
- Find Study Techniques That Actually Works for You
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Everyone has their own way of studying that works for them. There is no one right way to study. For example, you may like to write or type out notes, use cue cards or highlight textbook material. Finding the study technique that works best for you will allow you to grasp the content you are studying better and in a shorter amount of time.
- Eliminate Distractions
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Watching Netflix and studying do not mix well. Make sure to eliminate all distractions when completing schoolwork. Multitasking rarely works, so in order to get the most out of your studying or homework, get rid of distractions. I like to use the downtime feature on my phone to help with this. I restricted my social media apps (such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat and YouTube) during the day. These apps tend to do more harm than good, and I find myself spending a lot of time on them throughout the day. By using the downtime feature, I am able to be more productive and complete all my tasks. This in turn leaves me with free time to be able to go on my phone without any stress or guilt.
- Your Work Environment Matters
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Oftentimes your work environment can be a strong determining factor in your productivity. If you are studying in bed or in your bedroom, chances are you will get sleepy very quickly. Finding a quiet and impelling place, like the library or a coffee shop, can put you in the right studying mindset. It is also important to know whether you study better independently or with friends. Personally, I know that I get more tasks done when I am alone. This is why I try not to study with friends since I tend to get distracted really easily.
Hopefully, you can utilize some of these tips to help you to stay productive and get your work done on time. Remember, there is no shame in taking breaks and rewarding yourself for your hard work. You do not want to burn yourself out. So, taking a night off to spend time with friends is completely okay. With the right planning, you can totally balance your studying and have an active social life!