As I write this article, I’m finishing one of the most stressful weeks of my college career so far. With a presentation, three papers, and an exam all due in the span of three days, I had so much trouble trying to prioritize. All my life, I’ve been a huge procrastinator, and while I usually find a way to make that work for me, I knew it would be absolutely impossible for me to leave all my homework for the night before it was due. While I still had to cram a bunch of work into the last night–old habits die hard–I’ve been making an extra effort this semester to get all my homework done on time and not save it all for the last possible second. Here are the tips that have helped me stay on top of my schoolwork, extracurriculars, and work.
Plan it out.Google Calendar has been a lifesaver this school year. I pick up a lot of work shifts at random, so it’s helpful for me to see everywhere I have to be on any given day between work, way too many clubs, and classes. It’s also a good way to keep track of deadlines for homework and papers so you can plan out the best way to stay on top of the game. If you’re more traditional, planners are another way of making sure you never forget an assignment or event. The act of making lists and crossing off tasks are also good ways to stay organized and feel productive when you finish things.
Besides Google Calendar, so many apps on the market are designed to help you keep organized and productive. When I was studying for my exam, Quizlet was a huge help because I could take it anywhere. I reviewed flashcards on my phone when I was on the go and could pick up where I left off via my laptop when I got home. Productivity apps can keep you from getting distracted by your phone or other websites. I love Forest, a mobile app and browser extension that plants and grows a tree as long as you keep on task.
While it’s easier said than done, it’s so much better to plan out your homework as early as you can. If you get stuck or unmotivated, you will have more time to come back to it later and get reinspired. Find a time management technique that works for you to keep you from getting burnt out while you’re doing work. The pomodoro technique is helpful for me because it focuses on getting work done in bursts: work on your task for twenty-five minutes, then take a five minute break. After four cycles of this are completed, take a fifteen to thirty minute break.
Create a productive environment.
You can sit down at your desk for four hours to do homework, but if you’re easily distracted in this environment, then there isn’t much of a point. Go to the library or a quiet study room if you need absolute focus, or get together with friends if collaboration keeps you motivated. I like doing homework with friends, but I get easily distracted by noises like talking and music, so my ideal homework environment would be in the library or a quiet, secluded spot. Making sure that you are in an environment that will help you make the most of your time is key to getting everything done.