Time is a finite resource. Balancing responsibilities at your job, home, and school is not easy. No matter what, you’re always left with the same 24 hours in a day to check items off to-do lists, spend time with family and friends, and unwind. By planning ahead and using your time wisely, you’ll be able to accomplish more and enjoy added free time.
Follow these eight time management tips and strategies to ensure that you meet deadlines, are well prepared for exams, and have time for yourself while pursuing a college degree.
1. Identify Time-Wasters and Set Goals
It’s easy to get distracted. Pay attention to what draws your focus away from your studies and assignments.
- Are you spending too much time checking social media?
- Are you prone to texting and answering personal phone calls while studying?
- Do you find that a lot of time has passed while you aimlessly browse the web?
No matter what is wasting your time, set a goal not to engage in that behavior during dedicated study time. Instead, use those activities as a reward for staying focused and accomplishing the tasks you set out to complete.
2. Plan Ahead by Creating a To-Do List
Identify what you need to do, and then prioritize the tasks based on when the assignment is due and how much time you need to complete it. This gives you a set plan for the day. Whether it’s just a list of priorities or a full schedule for the day, having a plan will ensure that you know what to do and when.
Unless there’s a pressing priority, it’s important to also consider what sort of work you’re in the mood to do.
- Do you feel creative? You may want to prioritize working on a writing assignment.
- Do you feel focused? You could spend the day studying for an upcoming exam.
3. Tackle Small Tasks to Start
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by large projects and big exams, and the anxiety can make you want to procrastinate. Start with shorter, simpler to-do items, and then move on to larger projects or assignments.
- What can you complete in the shortest time that has the fewest dependencies?
- What needs more time or has more complicated workflows?
4. Do One Thing at a Time
If you’re trying to juggle multiple assignments and tasks, you’ll likely end up being less productive. To combat the urge to multitask, ask yourself:
- What are your most common distractions (email, social media, electronics, etc.)?
- Can you turn off the devices or applications?
Turn off any devices that you can. And no matter what, don’t switch to another task until the one before it is complete. This may be a hard habit to break, but it’s worth it.
5. Establish Routines=
A set routine can also help you accomplish the things you need to do. Is your home quietest in the early morning? You may want to get in the habit of regularly using that time to study or read. The more often you do this, the less you’ll have to think about when you’ll accomplish the tasks you need to finish that day.
6. Use Breaks Wisely
The time between work, classes, activities, and meetings can be used to complete tasks. People who use the Pomodoro Technique, developed in the 1990s, work in short intervals and take short, regular, timed breaks — “Pomodoros.” For example, you might use a timer to work in 25-minute sprints, broken up by 5-minute breaks away from your workspace. Every fourth Pomodoro, take a longer break
7. Take Time Off
It’s important to take time for yourself. Long study sessions or chunks of time working on assignments should be broken up with time away from screens or textbooks. You need to give your mind a rest.
Many scholars have studied the impact of meditation on reducing the effects of stress-induced conditions such as back pain, irritable bowel syndrome, and insomnia. The National Institutes of Health gathered these studies and published them in “Meditation and Mindfulness: What You Need To Know.”
8. Learn to Delegate
While your significant other, family members, or roommates won’t be able to study for you, you can ask them to help out more around the house while you continue your education. Freeing up a little more time by having others help with household chores and errands will ensure that you can stay focused on your studies and coursework or that you can take a well-deserved break.
Additional Time Management Tips for Online College Students
As an online college student, it’s vital that you implement good time management techniques. In fact, research shows that online students who are able to self-manage their behavior are less likely to drop out of their courses and have better academic outcomes.
While all of the above tips are applicable to online college students, there are a few additional considerations:
- Establish a study space. Having a designated spot for studying can help you avoid distractions, especially if you’re trying to study in parts of your home that are regularly used for entertainment.
- Get dressed. You don’t have to go all out, but just the act of getting dressed for the day can help your brain shift from lounging mode to working mode.
- Check in each day. Studying can become easy to dismiss when you’re not physically going into your classes. Therefore, make sure to visit your virtual class chatrooms, chime in on conversations, and ask your instructor questions. This will keep you engaged in the class and on top of your assignments.
- Create physical reminders. Many people these days use their phone for reminders and calendars, but getting on your phone can lead to time-wasting activities. Instead, use a physical desk calendar, sticky notes, etc.
Time Management Resources
To Create and Manage Lists, Try These Apps:
Any.do – This easy-to-use desktop and mobile app keeps your to-do lists and calendar in one central location and syncs between devices and platforms.
Remember the Milk – This is another fun app that helps you manage to-do lists across multiple devices and users.
Todoist – This app balances power and simplicity, using natural language processing to simplify scheduling as well as integration with multiple apps so you can keep all of your tasks in a centralized location.
To Increase Productivity, Try These Apps:
RescueTime – This app runs in the background of your desktop computer or smartphone, tracking how much time you spend on various sites and apps, and it then provides a detailed report on where you spend your time. Use this information to tweak your browsing habits and work more efficiently.
Streaks – Using gamification, this app helps you form good habits. It allows you to enter up to 24 tasks and how often they should be completed. As you mark off tasks, it tracks your completion rate and streak score.
Freedom – Reduce distractions and improve productivity with this app that blocks websites and apps on your smartphone or desktop computer.
To Set Goals, Try These Strategies:
Learn how to set SMART goals — those that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Learn more about goal setting from The National Society of Leadership and Success.
To Get More In-Depth Time Management Help, Try These Books:
- The Productivity Revolution: Control Your Time and Get Things Done! by Marc Reklau
- The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
- Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Certainly! Here’s a list of 11 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the topic “Time Management Tips for Busy College Students,” along with credible references and a summary.
FAQ on Time Management Tips for Busy College Students
Why is time management important for college students?
Effective time management helps students balance academic responsibilities, personal life, and work. It reduces stress, increases productivity, and improves academic performance.
Reference: Cleveland Clinic
What are the biggest time-wasting habits students should avoid?
Common time-wasters include excessive social media use, procrastination, multitasking, and lack of prioritization.
Reference: University of Georgia
How can I create a realistic study schedule?
Break large tasks into smaller steps, allocate time based on priority, and use tools like calendars or planner apps. Make your schedule flexible to handle unexpected events.
Reference: University of Michigan
What are some effective time management tools for students?
Useful tools include Google Calendar, Todoist, Trello, and apps like Forest and Pomodoro timers. These help track assignments and stay focused.
Reference: University of California, Berkeley
How much study time should I plan for each course?
A common rule is 2–3 hours of study per credit hour weekly. For a 3-credit class, aim for 6–9 hours of study time each week.
Reference: Purdue Global
How can I stay motivated to stick to my schedule?
Set specific goals, reward yourself for milestones, and remind yourself of long-term benefits like better grades and reduced stress.
Reference: University of Leeds
What is the Pomodoro Technique, and does it work?
The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. This improves focus and reduces burnout.
Reference: Loyola University
Should I multitask when managing my time?
Multitasking reduces productivity and increases mistakes. Focus on one task at a time for better outcomes.
Reference: American Psychological Association
How do I balance work, school, and social life effectively?
Prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and communicate with professors and employers. Use time-blocking methods to reserve time for different areas.
Reference: National Society of High School Scholars
What should I do if I keep falling behind?
Reassess your schedule, identify distractions, and seek help from academic advisors or tutors. Use weekends or downtime to catch up.
Reference: Harvard University
Are there support services that help with time management?
Yes. Most colleges offer academic coaching, study skills workshops, and time management seminars. Check with your school’s student success center.
Reference: Cornell University Learning Strategies Center
Summary
Time management is a cornerstone of college success. With thoughtful planning, effective tools, and consistent habits, students can meet academic deadlines, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy life balance. Whether you’re just starting college or trying to regain control mid-semester, improving how you manage your time will pay off academically and personally. Use these tips, reach out for support, and practice consistently to build lifelong skills.