Master Time Management

• Work outside of class starts immediately - readings and problem sets are often assigned on the first day of class, and assignments may be due in the first few weeks.  
• Midterms can begin as early as week 3, and may be given any time in the semester.
• Classes continue during midterms, and assignments may be due while you’re studying for midterms.
• Since work can pile up quickly, it’s important to keep on top of your workload and due dates.

Use the first few days of class to adjust to being back at school and to mentally prepare for your studies:

• Log onto Courselink and familiarize yourself with the sites for each of your courses
• Read your course outlines
• Put all exam and due dates in a 4-month calendar
• Organize your binders/notebooks
• Pick up required texts and review reading lists
• Skim through textbooks and course readings to familiarize yourself with the concepts you’ll be covering this semester.

• Make a weekly task list
• Start working on the first day of classes
• Spend time on your coursework at least 5 days per week
• Keep your goals and priorities in mind when choosing how to spend your time
• Use the free time management services and tools available from the Library.

• Know that you’re not alone! Many students fall behind at some point in the semester. 
• Read 6 Strategies for Catching Up or make an appointment in the library to learn more about how to catch up.

Review your time management strategies from the past semester.

• Identify and celebrate your successes.
  • In what ways did you keep up with the busy pace of a 12-week semester?  Maybe you kept up with the coursework in some classes, started reviewing earlier for midterms, or used an app to keep track of assignments.
  • Think about what worked for you, and make sure you continue on that track next semester.
• What worked well and what needs to be changed? 
  • For example, did you use a planner for part of the semester, but stop halfway through? If so, do you want to keep using a planner next semester, or try a different tool?  
• If you fell behind, figure out why. What can you do differently next semester?
  •  For example, do you need to start studying earlier in the semester? Do you need to spend more hours studying each week, or do you need to study more efficiently?
• Use the library’s resources on Effective Studying or make an appointment for some ideas on changing your study routine or study approach.