
5 Effective Time Management Techniques For Students with Busy Schedules
Are you juggling multiple tasks all at once? Do you often find yourself struggling to meet deadlines? If you answer yes to both these questions, you must master time management. Time management for students who have busy schedules helps them get more done in less time. It also leads to higher productivity levels and reduced stress.
So, do you want to change your student life for the better?
Here are five effective time management techniques that you should try out.
1. Create a schedule
When people think of schedules, they often think of a long list of tasks to handle and strict routines that leave no room for spontaneity.
That is not the case.
A schedule is simply a plan that helps you structure your day and prioritise tasks. It can be as flexible or as rigid as you want it to be.
The key is to stick to it and make necessary adjustments when needed. This will help you stay on track and focus on the important things.
How to create a schedule
- Get a diary or download an app on your mobile device.
- Start by listing all the tasks you need to do for the day.
- Determine which tasks are high priority and mark them accordingly.
- Set an alarm or alert to remind yourself when to start and complete each task.
- Allocate specific times for each task (leave enough time for spontaneity, breaks and rest).
- Review your schedule at the end of the day and adjust for the next day if needed. (This reflective practice allows you to fine-tune your time management skills, making your scheduling more effective over time).
Remember, the goal of creating a schedule is not to restrict you but to free up your time so you can enjoy the activities you love!
2. Avoid Multitasking
While multitasking may seem like the ultimate time-saving hack, it can actually be counterproductive.
Jumping from task to task without fully completing one can lead to increased stress levels. According to Very Well Mind, Multitasking can hinder your focus, raise stress levels, and heighten impulsivity. It may also diminish your work or school performance, potentially causing more negative emotions and anxiety.
To avoid multitasking, stick with your schedule and focus on one task at a time. This will help you to prioritise your tasks and give each one your undivided attention. You can also ask for help from your friends or family if you feel overwhelmed with tasks.
Trust us, you’ll be more productive in the end.
3. Learn To Say NO
The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the desire to please others often lead us to say yes to every request that comes our way.
While it’s good to be helpful, constantly saying yes can leave you feeling overwhelmed and drained, leaving little time for yourself.
Learning to say no doesn’t mean being selfish or rude; it means setting boundaries and prioritising your own needs.
How to say no politely:
- Be honest and direct without being offensive.
- Show appreciation for the request and explain your reasons for declining.
- Offer an alternative solution or suggest another time that may work better for you.
- Stand firm with your decision, and don’t feel guilty about it.
By saying NO, you’ll soon see how much more time you have for the things that truly matter to you.
4. Set Goals
Goals give us a sense of purpose. Without goals, we may feel like we are wandering aimlessly through life.
Having a set of goals can help you manage your time better by providing direction and motivation.
However, setting unrealistic or overwhelming goals can do more harm than good. Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). For example, instead of saying, “I want to exercise more,” try setting a goal like “I will go for a 30-minute walk every day this week.”
5. Get Help & Support
Sometimes, things get too much, especially if you’re alone.
This is where help and support from professionals can help you. Mentors or tutors can help you manage your time better, as they are experienced in what they teach.
At Tutor Doctor, we offer tutoring services in South Africa and around the world, with experienced tutors who can assist you in managing your time effectively.
Tutors, for example, can help build time management skills in students by:
- Providing student-centred learning plans that focus on efficiency and productivity.
- Teaching prioritisation skills by helping students identify the most important tasks and how to allocate appropriate time to each.
- Introducing effective study techniques and tools that can save time, such as mnemonic devices, flashcards, and time management apps.
- Offering guidance on how to break down larger tasks into more manageable chunks can help reduce procrastination and make studying less overwhelming.
- Encouraging regular breaks and self-care practices to ensure that students remain mentally and physically fit.
Don’t hesitate to seek help and support when you feel overwhelmed or struggling with time management.
Improve Your Time Management Skills Today!
With these 5 time management techniques for students, you’ll be able to take control of your schedule and study smarter, not harder. It may take some time and practice to find the right balance, but with determination and consistency, you can improve your time management skills and achieve academic success!
Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help you achieve your academic goals!