Journal #21 Manage Your Time

Most of the students think that there is never enough time in the day and they are busy in multiple tasks such as study new knowledge, building the relationship with friends/professor, and earning tuition from part time job. There are too many things need to do in the college. However, you only have the tiny time to accomplish all the tasks. If you know how to use your time effectively, your college life will be colorful. But if you do not know, then your college life will probably be black-and-white. You can write down your own schedule, prioritize the lists and try to say “No” in some situation in order to deal with the pressed time.

First, using calendar with plenty of space to record assignments, lists and appointment would help you organizing what your should do and when you should do. You can see all the to-do things in the calendar in order to effectively manage your time. For example, you can check your calendar at the beginning of the week, and you can know which task you should do first. If you find out that there is a party in Saturday, you can reorganize your task in the week and try to finish your homework before the happy day.

Second, prioritize your list and tasks. Take the “big-picture” approach. Look over all you need to complete and decide what’s most important. Which assignment is due first? Which is the most difficult? Which cost the most time to finish? For example, if you have 3 journals, one boring reading, and one proposal due to this week, you will need to decide which one is the most important and calculate how much time you need, then decide which one will go first.

Third, say “NO” in some situations. Sometimes we take on too much. Whether it’s extra courses, job responsibilities, or extracurricular activities, consider how important each is to you before agreeing.

All for all, effectively managing your time is difficult but important skill for college students. For me, the best ways to manage time are these 3 tips. If you can apply all these tips in the daily life, you will make a successful college life.