School is back and summer is ending. That includes any summer jobs you may have held for the past 3 months. With no job and school starting, there are a few important details that need to be discussed: time management and budgeting. Whether you decide to look for another job at school (work or non-work study) learning to manage your time and money are useful skills to have.
While I’m sure some of you are thinking: “It’s not going to be that hard, I can manage both my money and time so easily,” I can assure you that you’re right. Managing your time and money can be easy and stress free so long as you actually stick to the schedule you set yourself. Yes I am serious, make yourself a schedule and utilize it every day. However, there are a few rules to making this schedule.
Rule #1: Don’t set an unrealistic schedule. How likely is it for you to say that you will study every day for five hours in a row? The answer: not at all. I have found that the key to time management is to always make time to study and do homework immediately after your classes. Instead of heading straight back to your dorm, stop by the library for about an hour or so and complete any assignments given. Everything you just learned will be fresh in your mind which will make the work easier. After your library session you will have all afternoon to do whatever else you want! Time management is much easier than budgeting.
When at school, it is extremely important to budget. Whether or not you have a job, keeping track of your money is a priority. My first two years at school, I did not budget. I decided I would just not spend any money at all. As you can imagine that did not happen and I ended up spending almost every paycheck from my work-study job. My mother was none too happy, and neither was I. Learning to budget is key, and can easily be stress free. A good solution is to get a check book. Yes it seems silly, but you’ll need to learn to use one when you are old and paying bills, so why not figure it out now?
Set a limit as to how much you can spend each week, and stick to it. If you don’t end up spending it all, keep it in the bank! All the money you save up can go to something more exciting like a mini-vacation with your friends or something bigger like studying abroad. As much as that $30 dress from Forever 21 is calling your name, so is that skiing trip you wanted to go on! Just remember, winter is coming, and that dress will not keep you warm. It’ll be hard, but the amount you save at the end of the year will be worth it. I mean, doesn’t learning to surf with your best friend during spring break sound like more fun than buying those $65 shoes you can’t walk in?
School always, always, ALWAYS comes first. Prioritizing studying and homework within your schedule will help ensure success in school, and can still leave plenty of time for any clubs you want to join and quality time with friends. Keeping track of the money in your bank account will help you become more responsible and make sure you’ll have what you need. Utilizing your time and money can help you make the best out of your college experience!
Start working on that schedule and budget, collegiettes!