How to Manage Time as a Student

One of the biggest hurdles a student faces in their journey and ambitions is limited time. This comes in many forms, from having to work a job, take care of family or loved ones, or even simply needing to charge your “battery” more, particularly during those testing periods. Here are some practices and methods to help you manage time more efficiently, particularly as a student.

Get organized

This may seem like a given, but there are many methods people ignore, relying on the idea of simply practicing an organized approach. However, there are numerous software services out there, many of them free, that are built on the idea of managing projects, portfolios, scheduling, etc. These solutions should be looked into since they’re becoming the de facto method as cross-functionality between applications increases. Here are some of the best solutions that I’ve tested personally, and that make great starting points for your future.

Absorb data

One thing some in the older generations are still wrapping their heads around is the sheer amount of data accessible today, particularly when mobile. When I was a kid, it was Johnny Quest’s watch which fascinated me. He was able to not only talk, but gather information and analyze data with it. We have this device now, of course in a more practical book-shaped form. Tablets and phones are the perfect solutions to stay connected to your academic needs. In short, you shouldn’t be “waiting” for your doctor's appointment, you should be studying, looking over your curriculum and collaborations, and communicating with fellow students.

Rest your brain

This doesn't just apply to sleep. If your mind is overstimulated, it has a hard time retaining new concepts, and even suffers in its ability to recall information. Relaxing your brain doesn't mean you have to spend hours meditating. Fifteen minutes for a power nap helps, or simply giving yourself time to reflect on things outside your academic obligations. Use technology to automate simple tasks or actions, so you can worry about one less thing - if you’re not exactly sure how to, check out these automation life hacks to get started. Exercise is also an excellent way to rest your brain, as it releases endorphins.

Connections in your field of study

An excellent way of saving time while following a curriculum is learning from someone who has completed the goals you’re currently trying to achieve. It’s great to have a team to collaborate with, and in many cases, it will be mandatory. But I’m talking about people that either work in the field you’re studying or are farther in the curriculum. You can get a lot of practical information from these people: concepts and methodology that have worked for them and will guide you more smoothly down your own path. Most every professional learning institute will have a community built around it. You’d be surprised by the length many will go to help you get questions answered, and have guidance given.

Schedule efficiently

Just scheduling time on a spread doesn't mean it’s going to pan out perfectly. You have to really think of the things that may break into your schedule. Studying and sleeping have to be done at opportune times. Work around the people in your life so there’s no conflict. If you know your roommates are loud during a time of day you need to study, there has to be a solution already lined up. Trying to solve it as it happens is the worst thing to do; it can cause enough stress to ruin your ability to get done what you wanted. Find more scheduling tips here: How to Build the Most Effective Work Schedule.

Cut out negativity

This is often done naturally when school starts to take over one's life. Remove negative influences, most importantly, negative people. At the very least recognize it. Remember this is your path, negativity is the washover from others’.

Have flexibility

If you can be flexible, you’ll never get bent out of shape. You have to eventually learn something someday if you haven’t already. You’re either going to deal with it or not. This includes everything in life. Regardless of how many people encourage and assist in your success, only you can jump the hurdles. A key to flexibility is optimism. If your schedule starts going awry and you can’t bring it back to equilibrium, staying rigid won’t save you. This doesn't mean to completely shift a schedule either. Some things just need to be let go, and it’s how you dealt with it then that will give you the know-how for future occurrences.

Wrapping up

When it comes down to your success, you just need to remember that your efforts matter. Your time is valued by the needs of the world, so make sure that you value your time correctly. At the end of it all, that effort will bloom into success.