One of the top skills you need to be successful in college and beyond is good time management skills. College is much different than high school. Professors and instructors won't ask you again and again for assignments or let you retake tests to improve your score. Keeping yourself organized to stay on top of your work is now your responsibility. College is the perfect time to hone these skills, but if yours are lacking, these tips will get you started and help you stay on track.
Why good time management is important?
Having good time management skills makes you more efficient and more productive. It keeps you focused so you can deliver higher-quality work on time. Good time management also keeps stress and anxiety levels low. Working on improving this necessary skill while in college is essential because it will carry over into a job once you graduate and begin your career.
Tip #1: Get Organized
Make getting organized a priority. Go through the syllabus for each class and write down all assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects with the due dates. Doing this means you'll know when things are due and won't miss any deadlines.
Tip #2 Schedule Study/Homework Time
Get into the habit of scheduling blocks of time for homework and studying. Decide how you want to schedule this, and how often, and then stick to your schedule. When it's time to focus and do homework, actually do it.
Tip #3 Prioritize Assignments
Look at everything that needs to get done and decide what is most important. Then make a list with the highest priority items first. Studying for a test you're having in a few days is more important than working on an assignment due after the test.
Tip #4 Keep Distractions Away
By now, you know what distracts you and how you waste time. Knowing this information is important because you now need to monitor these distractions for yourself. Have a plan to manage these distractions so they don't control you. For example, if social media is a time-waster for you, set a timer for a certain length of time. Once the timer goes off, get back to studying and homework.
Tip #5 Establish a Routine
Being in a new place, a new school, and new people can feel weird and uncomfortable at first. To help yourself feel more comfortable it's good to establish a routine. Routines create the structure to help you feel more comfortable when everything else doesn't. It can be as simple as waking up at the same time and getting ready for classes as you did at home. These routines will help you feel more comfortable and help you transition to school and living here. You could also start some new routines like studying with your new friends.
These simple and easy tips will hone your time management skills, setting you on the right track for a successful year!
For more information about Hocking College, contact admissions by emailing admissions@hocking.edu or calling 740-753-7050.
