Master the clock: 9 time management tips for students’ success

Students often have multiple tasks and responsibilities. They have to attend classes, complete assignments, study for exams, participate in extracurricular activities, and maintain a social life. Effective time management allows students to allocate their time wisely, ensuring they have enough time for each task and avoiding last-minute rushes.

When students manage their time effectively, they can enhance their productivity. They are better able to focus on their studies and allocate specific time blocks for different activities. By organising their tasks and setting priorities, students can make the most of their available time and accomplish more in less time.

Dr Payal Arora, Assistant Professor, Commerce at Apeejay College of Fine Arts in Jalandhar says that work-life balance is very important for students. It helps to enhance their productivity and improve physical and mental well-being.

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“Time management is important for everyone but it is crucial for the students. If done efficiently, time management increases productivity, raises motivation level and aids in accomplishment of the goals”

Dr Payal Arora, Assistant Professor, Commerce at Apeejay College of Fine Arts in Jalandhar

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“In order to maintain work-life balance, students should prepare a proper schedule, follow that with discipline, importance to studies, extra-curricular activities and leisure. In order to remain stress free, they should get enough sleep, exercise regularly, practice mindfully and avoid procrastination, and devote time to their relationships and hobbies. This way they can lead a healthy and happy student life,” Dr Arora said.

However, it is also common for students to lose motivation to study, Dr Arora opined. It may be due to lack of interest, difficult curriculum, emotional problems, boring teaching style, fear of failure and lack of motivation.

Maintain interest

“In order to maintain their interest in studies and stay motivated, they should remember the reason why they started the course and what they will achieve after its completion. They should set up a study plan, set smaller goals, avoid procrastination, listen to music, take short breaks, plan group studies and find the practical application of what they are studying. They should talk to their family and friends to reduce stress. They should develop a spirit of healthy competition and stay focused. Managing their time can also help students to finish different tasks,” Arora said.

Time management is important for everyone but it is crucial for the students. If done efficiently, time management increases productivity, raises motivation level and aids in accomplishment of the goals.

“It enables students to become more organised and efficient in their studies. For time management, they should plan well in advance, keeping priorities in mind. The tasks and their completion time should be well defined. Long term goals should be divided into smaller targets which are realistic and achievable,” Dr Arora advised.

Strategies to follow

Set clear goals: Start by setting specific, achievable goals. Having a clear vision of what you want to accomplish will guide your time management efforts.

Prioritise tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks on your to-do list. Prioritise them based on deadlines, importance, and impact.

Create a schedule: Develop a schedule or timetable that includes your classes, study time, assignments, and other commitments. Be realistic about the time needed for each task and allocate dedicated time slots accordingly.

Avoid multitasking: Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can actually reduce efficiency and increase errors. Instead, focus on one task at a time.

Practice time blocking: Time blocking involves setting aside specific blocks of time for different activities or subjects. This helps create a structured routine and ensures you have dedicated time for each task.

Minimise distractions: Identify and eliminate or minimise distractions that hinder your productivity. Use website blockers or apps that limit access to distracting websites or social media during study sessions.

Take breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your schedule, such as a five-10 minute break every hour or two of focused work.

Learn to say no: It’s important to prioritise your commitments and learn to say no to non-essential tasks or requests that may consume valuable time.

Reflect and adapt: Regularly review and evaluate your time management strategies to identify what works best for you and what needs improvement. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule.