Top 7 Ways to Manage Your Time as a First-Time College Student

Target – College Students

Beginning your first semester of college is an exciting adventure. You’re entering new territory, waiting to see what you can learn and the fun you will experience. However, first-time college students need to be prepared for the workload that comes with college. If you can effectively manage your time, you can find success from day one. 

Try these tips to manage your time and save yourself some stress as a new college student. 

Tips

1) Make a To-Do List: Start your list with academic assignments and deadlines so you can stay on top of your schoolwork, but don’t forget to add in some fun things you like to do. Adding items, such as taking a walk or joining in a one-on-one basketball competition gives you something to look forward to – and something to cross off your list. 

2) Reconsider Multi-Tasking: It’s a myth that those who multi-task get more done. In fact, sometimes the distraction of doing two things at one time can slow you down and damper your time management. Instead, do just one task at a time. 

3) Set a Routine: From the first week of college, you’ll realize that you have routine tasks that need to be completed each day. Set a routine and stick to it. For instance, if you know that you are more productive in the morning, set aside time to work on your assignments or study for tests during this time. A set routine will also give you a sense of normalcy in a new environment. 

4) Minimize Distractions: During the first week of classes, try and log how you spend your time. You may realize that you spend more time checking social media or texting than actually completing your assignments. After setting a routine, put your phone away during study sessions or turn off notifications that can easily distract you. 

5) Tackle the Small Stuff First: That looming to-do list can be intimidating as a first-time college student. However, you’ll feel more motivated and productive if you tackle the smaller tasks first. When faced with larger tasks before tackling the smaller ones, you could be more likely to procrastinate. 

6) Schedule Study Breaks: College students are often portrayed on television and in the movies as individuals who have to endure all-night study sessions. If you manage your time effectively and incorporate breaks, you can forego the lack of sleep. Time yourself so that you study for an hour and then take a 15-minute break to stretch, take a walk, socialize with friends or check your social media. Once your break is over, get back to work. 

7) Delegate: It’s not realistic to think that you can delegate out your academic work, but it is realistic to ask for a helping hand with tasks that are taking away from your studies. Ask family members or friends to help out with errands or coordinate a dorm cleaning schedule that rotates so you and your roommate are sharing the work. There’s no shame in asking for help, especially if it allows you the time to focus on what’s most important at the moment. 

As you’re navigating the first week, semester or year of college, know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation.

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Stop the Stress: How to Navigate the College Class Load

Target – College Students

Whether it is your first semester of college or your last, it’s likely that you will feel overwhelmed with balancing the course load. Between studying for tests, completing homework and even managing a job and a social life, it’s challenging for many students to feel as if they are staying on top of all of their responsibilities and obligations.

However, with a few changes to your daily routine, you can stop – or at the very least, reduce – the stress to help you remain positive and productive.

Routine Changes

1) Embrace Positive Thinking: Many times, when overwhelmed, your mind might focus on the worst-case scenario. Common thoughts may include: “I’m going to fail this test.” “I can’t keep up with this workload.” However, if you change the way you think by focusing on the positive versus the negative, you are giving yourself a chance to succeed. Instead, change your thoughts to “I’m prepared for this test” and “I’m going to try my best.” Stress commonly causes students to move toward the negative, but if you are conscious about changing your thoughts, you can also positively change the outcome.

2) Seek Out Resources: Although stress is common when it feels like it’s too much to handle, ask for help. College institutions feature counseling and advising services with professionals who are trained to help college students cope with stress. Acting as a support system, these individuals can also point you in the right direction to find assistance with tutoring, peer study groups, library services, extracurricular activities and more. Use the resources that are available to you so you don’t have to shoulder the burden of stress by yourself.

3) Maintain Your Health: If you find yourself sacrificing lunch so you can get in another study session, you might be doing more harm than good. Instead of gorging on cold pizza on the run, make time to eat healthy. Green leafy vegetables and protein will give you the energy you need to complete your homework and study. Stray from sugary energy drinks that ultimately cause you to crash when you need to be alert and ready to take on new challenges.

4) Exercise Regularly: Part of being a college student is learning how to prioritize. While it may not seem like you have time for a walk across campus or a mid-morning jog, you will be boosting your energy and your mental alertness if you do. Take along some note cards so you can study while getting in some exercise at the campus gym or listen to a podcast or some music to take your mind off the stress of cramming for exams.

5) Incorporate Time Management Strategies Into Your Routine: Time management is not something you conquer in one day, but if you take baby steps, you can actively prioritize your to-do list and accomplish more than you imagined, which ultimately helps reduce stress. Start by making a list of action items and then breaking these down into subcategories. As you conquer each task, feel a sense of accomplishment when you cross it off the list. It can also help to use a planner to keep track of weekly obligations and academic responsibilities. Many colleges offer planners for free to help you manage your time.

While it’s not realistic to think that you will not encounter any type of stress as a college student, there are ways to manage it so you feel less overwhelmed. Know that the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to support your efforts and encourage you along the way. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at The Leon N. Weiner Foundation.

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