Guest Author - Cheryl Lynne Likins, M.A.

If you’re a high school senior, then it’s likely that you cannot imagine having a year busier than this one. However, once you climb to the next level of your education, you should expect to have a hectic schedule. Without enough hours in the day now to complete your assignments, participate in sports, or serve on the yearbook club, how in the world will you handle college?

Well, it’s definitely true that college demands a lot of your time. Depending on the course, the number of credits and the style of the instructor, you should count on spending at least three hours studying for every hour you spend in class.

For example, if you have four courses that meet for three hours each week, then you might initially plan for about 36 hours of studying. Don’t expect to “wing it.” Although you will be ridiculously busy, college is manageable. After all, many of us have found a way to successfully navigate our way through college. You can do this! It just requires some planning and determination.

Now that you know that in theory time management in college is doable, how do you go about it? Keep in mind that the key word is “manageable.” Students need to actively manage their time. This is truly a critical step that cannot be overemphasized.

Freshmen and non-traditional students often do not know where to begin.
Well, let’s start here! Gather a notebook, pen and your class schedule. We’ll get your schedule working like a charm!


Take inventory

Make sure that you have your schedule handy. What we need to do is create a new document that includes a variety of items, including your class schedule. The goal is to have a one-stop source for all of your important responsibilities.
Personal preferences

As you begin to think about completing this task, be honest with yourself. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Structure your time taking your personal preferences into account. In the long run, you will be much happier and at ease if you align your schedule with your preferences. Although this is not always possible, try to make it a priority as you plan.


Extenuating circumstances

What are your personal challenges? Is there anything else going on in your life? When confronted with stressful situations, you might feel that they impact your ability to focus on assignments and learning.

Try to do what you can to get a handle on whatever is happening. Do an honest self-assessment of the situation and your role in it. Seek out help from your support system that could be family, friends, social services agencies or even your local place of worship.

Similarly, if you have a chronic illness or injury, then you should check with your school’s Office of Disability services. They can assess what support you may be entitled to receive.


Other responsibilities

Are you a caregiver? Do you volunteer or have a job? Be sure to record your hours on your schedule. Again, think about your priorities and commitments. Obviously, some things cannot be changed, but if you see some potential conflicts in your schedule as you begin laying it out in your planner, then at least honestly assess the situation. You might be able to make a few changes so that it all works.


The medium

Not everyone prefers a paper daily planner; however, I strongly suggest that you use something. As long as you choose a medium that works for you and one that you will consistently use, then follow your bliss.

Another option is an electronic planner readily available in computer and office supply stores. If you like using the computer, then this might be for you. PDAs, cell phones and other electronics usually have daily calendars. So if you’re tech savvy, then go for it.


Setting it in motion

By now, you’ve had a chance to really take a look at what’s happening in your life. Every aspect of your life needs to be managed, especially when you’re this busy. By using one item as your ‘go to’ resource, you will have the best chance of keeping track of your many responsibilities.

Be sure to prioritize tasks and include any notations that might help you remember important details.

Set aside a time each week or perhaps more often to update your calendar. Take a look at the month in advance. Be aware of important dates coming up.
Build in enough time to work on longer assignments and mark dates on your planner as benchmarks.

Remember, be vigilant, organized and determined. You can do this!

All the best!