Time Management

Most professors will expect you to spend approximately one to two hours studying for every hour that you are in their class. If you are taking a full course load, that adds up to more than a 40 hour week, the equivalent of a professional job. If you are putting in additional hours for a part-time job, you will need to manage your time very carefully to get everything done and keep your sanity.

Number of credit hours you are enrolled in: __________

Credit hours multiplied by 2 study hours: __________

Hours of paid employment per week: __________

Hours involved in sports or other regularly: __________

Scheduled activities (band, theater, etc.): __________

Add these hours up for your total work week: _________

Once you know how many hours you are dealing with each week, you can develop a regular schedule to follow. This way you don't have to spend time every day planning out when you will have time to get everything done. As you fill in your schedule, the following advice may be helpful.

Schedule from fixed to flexible

Use a daily planner (available at the Simpson bookstore), a blank weekly schedule like the one shown in this handbook, or even a spread sheet on the computer to enter fixed blocks of time first (classes, work hours, regular club meetings and other things that do not change).

Schedule survival areas (eating, getting ready for class, driving time, etc.) next.

Then schedule the most important flexible items (study time, volunteer jobs, etc.)

Finally, leave time open for recreational activities and relaxing.

Set realistic goals

Do not set an impossible schedule. Be realistic about how much time you need for each activity.

Leave some holes in your schedule for "open time." These can be filled in later with emergencies, spontaneous activities, or catching up.

Allow time for basic chores (grocery shopping, laundry, paying bills, etc.).

Plan study time sensibly

As a general rule, plan to study at least one to two hours for every hour you spend in class. Also, remember that different types of studying require different amounts of time. For example, most students study well using 50 minute blocks of time followed by 10 minute breaks. For intense memorization, however, you may want to study for only 30 minutes, followed by a 10 minute break. For reading a novel, you may want to use 2-3 hour blocks of time, each followed by a 20 minute break.

Short and frequent study sessions are more valuable than single marathon sessions, so plan to spread studying over time instead of cramming.

If you must study in a large block, take regular breaks, and try to alternate between different classes and tasks.

Set clear starting and stopping times for studying, and stick to them. You are more likely to stay focused this way.

Remember that studying includes doing assignments, reviewing what you have learned and studying for tests. It is usually helpful to schedule a brief review after each class. That way you are immediately reinforcing what you just learned, making later preparation for tests much easier.

Hint: It is helpful to spend a few minutes each Sunday night planning out your schedule for the upcoming week. Taking 10 minutes to fill in your schedule and plan out what you need to do can save you from having to scramble during the week to figure out what you need to get done for each class. This also prevents students from forgetting about an assignment or a quiz until the night before, which usually results in frantic (and less productive) studying and poorer scores.

Make the most out of your busy schedule

You have your weekly schedule mapped out and you are faithfully sticking to it. Now make sure that no one keeps you from your studies and nothing else keeps you from staying on track.

How to handle the rest of the world

Hang a "do not disturb" sign on your door. Let people know that you are busy and then spend time with your friends after your work is done when you can really relax.

Prepare the night before to help yourself get in gear faster the next day. For example, get all of your books and class materials ready to go with you out the door.

Avoid noise distractions to promote concentration.

Notice how others misuse your time and avoid situations where your time could be wasted.

Turn off the TV and Nintendo, hang up the phone, and reduce recreational computer time.

Things you can ask yourself when you get stuck

What is one task I can accomplish toward my goal? Start with a small task to make the job less intimidating and to get your energy going again.

Am I being too hard on myself? Maybe you are. Maybe you should lighten up.

Would I pay myself for what I'm doing right now? Realize what a mediocre job can cost.

Can I do just one more thing? You may have time for just one more task, increasing productivity.

Am I making time for things that are important, but not urgent? Prioritize your "to-do" list.

How did I just waste time? Find out and then remember what not to do next time.

Could I find the time if I really wanted to? Your values system dictates your priorities. If it is really important to you, you will make the time to get it done.


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Time Management Most professors will expect you to spend approximately one to two hours studying for every hour that you are in their class. If you are taking a full course load, that adds up to more than a 40 hour week, the equivalent of a professional job. If you are putting in additional hours for a part-time job, you will need to manage your time very carefully to get everything done and keep your sanity. Number of credit hours you are enrolled in: __________ Credit hours multiplied by 2 study hours: __________ Hours of paid employment per week: __________ Hours involved in sports or other regularly: __________ Scheduled activities (band, theater, etc.): __________ Add these hours up for your total work week: _________ Once you know how many hours you are dealing with each week, you can develop a regular schedule to follow. This way you don't have to spend time every day planning out when you will have time to get everything done. As you fill in your schedule, the following advice may be helpful. Schedule from fixed to flexible Use a daily planner (available at the Simpson bookstore), a blank weekly schedule like the one shown in this handbook, or even a spread sheet on the computer to enter fixed blocks of time first (classes, work hours, regular club meetings and other things that do not change). Schedule survival areas (eating, getting ready for class, driving time, etc.) next. Then schedule the most important flexible items (study time, volunteer jobs, etc.) Finally, leave time open for recreational activities and relaxing. Set realistic goals Do not set an impossible schedule. Be realistic about how much time you need for each activity. Leave some holes in your schedule for "open time." These can be filled in later with emergencies, spontaneous activities, or catching up. Allow time for basic chores (grocery shopping, laundry, paying bills, etc.). Plan study time sensibly As a general rule, plan to study at least one to two hours for every hour you spend in class. Also, remember that different types of studying require different amounts of time. For example, most students study well using 50 minute blocks of time followed by 10 minute breaks. For intense memorization, however, you may want to study for only 30 minutes, followed by a 10 minute break. For reading a novel, you may want to use 2-3 hour blocks of time, each followed by a 20 minute break. Short and frequent study sessions are more valuable than single marathon sessions, so plan to spread studying over time instead of cramming. If you must study in a large block, take regular breaks, and try to alternate between different classes and tasks. Set clear starting and stopping times for studying, and stick to them. You are more likely to stay focused this way. Remember that studying includes doing assignments, reviewing what you have learned and studying for tests. It is usually helpful to schedule a brief review after each class. That way you are immediately reinforcing what you just learned, making later preparation for tests much easier. Hint: It is helpful to spend a few minutes each Sunday night planning out your schedule for the upcoming week. Taking 10 minutes to fill in your schedule and plan out what you need to do can save you from having to scramble during the week to figure out what you need to get done for each class. This also prevents students from forgetting about an assignment or a quiz until the night before, which usually results in frantic (and less productive) studying and poorer scores. Make the most out of your busy schedule You have your weekly schedule mapped out and you are faithfully sticking to it. Now make sure that no one keeps you from your studies and nothing else keeps you from staying on track. How to handle the rest of the world Hang a "do not disturb" sign on your door. Let people know that you are busy and then spend time with your friends after your work is done when you can really relax. Prepare the night before to help yourself get in gear faster the next day. For example, get all of your books and class materials ready to go with you out the door. Avoid noise distractions to promote concentration. Notice how others misuse your time and avoid situations where your time could be wasted. Turn off the TV and Nintendo, hang up the phone, and reduce recreational computer time. Things you can ask yourself when you get stuck What is one task I can accomplish toward my goal? Start with a small task to make the job less intimidating and to get your energy going again. Am I being too hard on myself? Maybe you are. Maybe you should lighten up. Would I pay myself for what I'm doing right now? Realize what a mediocre job can cost. Can I do just one more thing? You may have time for just one more task, increasing productivity. Am I making time for things that are important, but not urgent? Prioritize your "to-do" list. How did I just waste time? Find out and then remember what not to do next time. Could I find the time if I really wanted to? Your values system dictates your priorities. If it is really important to you, you will make the time to get it done.
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