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3 Important Time Management Tips for College Undergrads

Time management can be difficult for college students due to the heavy workload and numerous responsibilities, but it is crucial to develop time management skills to ensure academic success, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Post Date: 
Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Are you an undergraduate student struggling to manage your time effectively? If so, you're not alone. Many students have a hard time juggling their academic and social lives while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Fortunately, there are a few key time management tips that can help college undergraduates get the most out of their busy days. 

3 Important time management tips for college undergrads

With class, homework, exam prep, projects, and clubs, you may be wondering when you’ll even have time in the day to eat — here are the top time management tips for college undergraduates, and how they can help you stay organized, maximize studying time, and ultimately achieve success in your academic pursuits.

1) Set a schedule and stick to it

One of the most important time management tips for college undergrads is creating a schedule and sticking to it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your coursework and other commitments, but having a well-defined plan can help you stay on top of your assignments. 

Creating a schedule helps ensure that you have plenty of time to devote to studying and completing assignments. If you know when your college exams are, or when your papers are due, you can plan accordingly and work on those tasks in advance. You’ll be able to avoid the last-minute stress of trying to cram in all your studying at once.

Your schedule should also include breaks and time to rest. Try to set aside some time each day to relax and recharge, or even indulge in hobbies or activities that you enjoy. This will help keep you from burning out during the semester.

By setting and sticking to a schedule, you’ll find that you have more time for studies and assignments, as well as time for yourself. So make sure you take the time to create an effective plan for success.

2) Don't procrastinate

We’ve all been there — it’s the night before a college exam and you haven’t even cracked open the textbook. You know you should be studying, but all you can think about is how much better it would feel to just chill on the couch and watch Netflix. Procrastination is one of the biggest obstacles that college students face when it comes to effective time management. 

While it may seem like a good idea at the moment, procrastinating can have serious consequences in the long run. When you put off your work until the last minute, it takes longer to complete because of the stress and pressure to get it done quickly. This leaves you less time to review and understand the material. Plus, it can lead to lower grades on exams or assignments due to a lack of preparation. 

Here are a few tips to help with college time management: 

  • Break down your tasks: Make a list of all the tasks that need to be done and break them down into smaller, more manageable chunks. 

  • Create a study plan: Schedule regular times throughout the week to review course material, do homework, and prepare for exams. 

  • Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet space that is free from distractions like phones, TV, and other people. 

  • Reward yourself for completing tasks: After completing a task, give yourself a reward such as a 20 minute power nap or watching an episode of your favorite show, as an incentive to keep going.

By following these college study tips, you can stay on track with your studies and avoid procrastinating. Effective undergrad time management will help you reach your academic goals, while also getting you prepared for graduate studies or the professional workforce.

3) Get enough sleep

Sleep is one of the most important components of life in general. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to decreased concentration and poor grades. While it can be tempting to stay up late for studying, or going out with friends, getting an adequate amount of sleep should always come first.

One study conducted at Harvard University showed that students who got fewer than seven hours of sleep per night had GPAs that were 0.12 points lower than those who got eight hours or more of sleep. When it comes to college time management and achieving your goals, it’s essential to prioritize getting enough rest.

If you’re struggling to balance a busy social life with your studies, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you get more sleep while still making time for your friends. For example, setting a bedtime routine will help you stick to the same schedule each night so you can get the amount of sleep your body needs. Also, consider doing some of your studying during the day, so you can spend the evening resting. You can even try having a sleepover party with your friends instead of going out — you’ll still have a good time, but in the morning you’ll feel much better. 

At the end of the day, getting enough sleep is a key part of college success. When you prioritize rest as part of your undergrad time management plan, you’ll have the energy and focus needed to excel in your classes.

Take advantage of student resources at NJIT

Between managing homework, studying for exams, and finding time to get enough sleep, it can be challenging to stay on top of everything. But by taking the time to plan out your tasks and schedule in advance, you can ensure that you don't miss any deadlines or feel overwhelmed by assignments. At NJIT, you’ll find lots of resources to help you manage your time, from our dedicated library staff to our many student resources. With the right support and planning, you can make the most of your college experience and reach your academic goals. Good luck!

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