Kimberly Steele
Time can often mean the difference between turning in a great assignment and proper understanding or a slap-dash, last-minute attempt at something.
Megan Greer, a computer science major from Panama City, Florida, who was a senior in the spring, understands this.
“When I was first starting out … I would leave my assignments until a few days before the deadline,” Greer said. “I quickly realized why my professors were giving us so much time to work on them.”
Time management can be a hard skill to learn.
“Honestly, this is something I struggle with,” said Taylor Bowser, a graphic design major from Dothan, Alabama, who was a junior in the spring. “My boyfriend has gotten frustrated with me plenty of times for making plans with him only to drag myself away to work on assignments.”
The best tip for time management is to write everything down. Most people make use of a planner or a calendar.
Prioritize your to-do list by ranking things from most to least important.
“Since starting my daily to-do list, I find that getting tasks done has become more doable,” Greer said.
It is important to find a good place to study.
“When I study, I like to go somewhere quiet like the library,” said Kayle Weeks, a graphic design major from Troy who was a junior in the spring.
Greer has a similar style.
“It’s easier to keep myself accountable with studying if I stay on campus.”
The way you study is up to your style.
“Flash cards are my best friend for really concrete subjects,” Bowser said. “Also, check out websites such as Quizlet.com that can generate flash cards and practice tests for you.”
Weeks suggests making use of study companions — “someone who is going to push you and not distract you … so someone who is studying the same thing you are.”
As for what to study, a good place to start is with what your professors have given you.
David Bloomfield, a nursing student going
for his second bachelor’s degree from Echo, Alabama,
suggests looking at previous tests.
“It tells you what you need to focus on and what your teacher focuses on,” Bloomfield said.
Greer mentioned making use of help outside of the class.
“If I’m really in a jam, I’ll see what kind of outside help I can find. Going to professors’ office hours and
spending time at the campus tutoring center have helped me several times.”
The most important thing about good time management is not to procrastinate.
Fran Scheel, a counselor and coordinator for the Student Counseling Center, has seen many a student come in with problems of procrastination.
“People practice procrastination as a means to reduce anxiety,” Scheel said.
It is important to set priorities with your time and identify realistic goals.
Scheel suggests students should challenge themselves as a means of avoiding procrastination.
“Ask themselves ‘Why not now?’ ” Scheel said.
Manage your time, and get better results
