Tips for structuring your time
Make a schedule:
- create a “master calendar” for the quarter and include activities that remain constant week to week like your class and work schedules. Also include important assignment due dates and final exams
- create a weekly schedule (preferably in a weekly planner), where you plan out what assignments you need to work on that week and identify free block of time during which to work on them
- make a daily to-do list including the tasks you need to get done that day. Don’t forget to prioritize the items on the list. Then cross each off when you get it done (it will make you feel accomplished)
The more detailed your schedule is, the more likely you are to stick to it! Ex. instead of planning to “study tonight,” plan to “work at Starbucks from 5-9 pm and read 3 chapters.”
Be realistic! Realistically estimate how long it will take you to finish an assignment and schedule enough time to complete it. A good rule of thumb is to spend 2 hours doing work for every 1 hour you are in class
Ever find yourself overwhelmed by a big assignment and unsure how to start? Break down big tasks into small, manageable pieces and focus on one piece at a time. This will make the assignment seem less daunting
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Identify when your energy is at its peak and plan to study at the times of day when you are most alert
Spend a lot of time studying in your room? Maybe even on your bed? Your brain learns to associate your room with sleep and relaxation, so chances are, you will have a hard time focusing if you study there. Instead, study at the library or in a coffee shop. Try to be consistent with where you study so you will learn to associate a certain place with focusing on work
Tips For Staying Focused
It’s one thing to plan to study and it’s another thing to actually be able to concentrate on your work. If, once you sit down to study, you find yourself being distracted, there are several strategies you can use to help you refocus:
Take frequent short breaks from studying to stretch, get a snack or walk around the block. Once you sit down again, you will feel more focused and less fatigued. Try studying for hour-long blocks of time and taking 5-10 minute breaks in between
Reward yourself when you get things done. Having something to work towards can be motivating, whether it is treating yourself to your favorite snack, watching a movie or going out with friends
Limit your internet use! If you can, try not to have your computer or phone readily accessible when you are studying. If you can’t, try setting aside specific times during the day to surf the web and only do it during those times. This can prevent the internet from sucking up hours of study time without you even realizing it
You may be surprised by this, but one of the most important things you can do to study effectively is…have fun! Even though you are busy, making time for relaxing and fun activities during the week is crucial as it reduces stress and will make you feel happier, which will allow you to work more effectively. This could be a time where you slow down and listen to music or go for a run, or a time where you go out with friends and socialize. Both are important in maintaining a sense of balance in your life, which will help you feel energized and focused enough to achieve academic success.
About the Author:
Jessica S. is a Counseling extern in the Student Development office at the Midtown campus at Berkeley College.