Time Management Tips for First-Year College Students
Time management is often a struggle for first-year college students. Learning to balance a new campus, classes, activities, and social time takes practice, but The Dorm List has some tips to get you started! Here’s some advice on managing your time effectively as a first-year college student.
Use a Calendar
Keeping a calendar handy to organize your assignments, deadlines, and all other commitments is a great way to master your first year of college. We recommend using the type of calendar that feels most comfortable to you! Some common choices:
Digital/Google Calendar
Set notifications and reminders: Digital calendars are perfect for college students in this golden age of technology! Make sure you never miss a deadline or meeting by enabling notifications and reminders on your device.
Make it your own: One of the best features of digital calendars is personalization! Use any tools available to set up your calendar in the way that works best for you.
Share with someone you trust: If you’re a first-year college student who struggles to keep tasks and deadlines in order, consider sharing your digital calendar with someone you trust. Whether with a parent or a roommate, sharing your schedule with someone close to you will decrease the chances of missing important meetings or assignments.
Planner
Write it out ahead of time: Writing your schedule for the week in your planner will ensure you’re prepared to take on whatever tasks the week will bring! Take a few minutes on Sunday evening or Monday morning to create your schedule and include all necessary tasks and engagements in your planner.
Use a color-coding system: Create a color-coding system for your planner to avoid mix-ups! Assign a color to each class and activity, and be sure to write all responsibilities and deadlines for the week in the assigned colors for the whole semester.
Balance School and Socialization
We know entering your first year of college is a new and exciting journey with endless opportunities! This experience should be joyful, filled with new friends and new experiences. However, the key to a successful first year of college is a healthy balance between work and play!
To ensure this healthy balance, try creating a rewards system for yourself. If you finish all your work for the day, cross it off the list and grab a sweet treat with some friends! Or, if you’re struggling with motivation for the workday, refresh yourself with a walk on campus with buddies and return when you’re feeling better and ready to study.
You Got This!
Remember, managing your time as a college student is all about preparedness and balance. Keep these tips in the back of your head as you make your transition into college, and you’ll have the tools to master your first year!
Need any more tips on navigating life as a first-year college student? Check out more from The Dorm List! And, check out The Dorm List Mobile App! Get the annual subscription or try the freemium version to get started. www.thedormlist.com
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