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My Top Time-Management Tips for Success

September 22, 2023

Are you struggling/afraid you will struggle to balance your academics, work, and personal life in university? Because I know when I started my journey as a university student, I found it overwhelming to manage the increased workload while juggling part-time jobs and other commitments. But don't worry, because as I progressed through my years at university, I've discovered some game-changing time-management strategies that have helped me succeed. Be ready to take charge of your personal life and academic life with these tips!  

Attending Lectures

Attending all your lectures is one of the most effective ways to manage your time while at university. By doing so, you establish a consistent routine that allows you to go through the assigned lecture material for each course. Plus, you will have the opportunity to ask the Professor any questions that you have, which saves you from figuring out your questions on your own outside of class. Also, it’s essential you make sure to actively listen during lectures so you ensure you understand the content. If you understand the material, you do not have to spend as much time studying concepts outside of class.

Use an Agenda

Staying organized is a vital aspect when achieving effective time management at university, and an agenda is one of the best tools for this. At the start of each semester, take some time to write down all your deadlines for each course in your agenda and adjust them later if any due dates change. Then, at the beginning of each week, jot down all the tasks you need to do for every class for the week, such as any asynchronous lectures to watch, textbook readings, and other assignments you must do. By using an agenda, you’ll be able to visualize what each week looks like and determine your priorities. Trust me, this small habit can make a huge difference in keeping you on track!

Seek Flexibility

Having a flexible schedule gives you more time for studying, working, and any other activities. Whenever possible, I like to arrange my academic timetable so I come to campus on fewer days each week. This not only saves me time commuting to campus and packing my bag for school but also gives me more time to study and work on other tasks. If you are commuting to school you should definitely consider these things as well and try to avoid lots of in-person class days.  On the days I don't come to campus, I use the extra time to do most of my homework and schedule personal appointments.  

In my third year of university, I worked through the University Works program as a Peer Tutor and PASS Leader. These positions provided me with flexibility since the hours were arranged around my academic timetable. I also work part-time at a grocery store, where I can choose which days of the week I am available to work. Having jobs that accommodate my school schedule helps me succeed academically. If you're looking for a way to manage your time effectively while working part-time, I highly recommend seeking out opportunities that provide the flexibility you need. For that, I would highly recommend looking into the University Works program as your employer will be the university itself and they know how essential academic performance is.  

These time-management techniques have been my lifesavers, allowing me to budget my time better across different aspects of my life. So why not give them a shot? By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of time management which you can carry on to your workplaces and personal life!  

 Best of luck!

By Victoria Matheou