Time Management

So that’s July almost done with! It really is amazing just how time flies when you are busy, and with working around forty hours a week in shifts all over the place I certainly am busy. The hardest thing is not having set hours and trying to fit the other things I have to do around my shifts. Still with just over three weeks to go until I leave for America, I’m also occupied preparing to leave (physically and emotionally).

So when it was time to write my final blog post for July, I was somewhat stuck. I haven’t done much with my summer that involves more than work, sleep and spending time with my family before I leave. There isn’t time for much else! So I thought I’d write a post with some tips about how to juggle your time while you are at University.

When I’m in Leicester, I do a lot of different things and have to juggle several other commitments alongside my degree; as well as cooking, cleaning and keeping in contact with family and friends. It can be exhausting and stressful, but if you manage your time well it doesn’t have to be!

Nothing is more crucial than planning to stay on top of deadlines and other commitments. I use to-do lists as well as a large wall chart to prioritise what I need to do, when, to stay ahead of deadlines.

Though tempting, two days before a 3,000 word essay is due probably isn’t the right time to alphabetize your book collection or deep clean your house. Taking regular breaks from work to stay on top of everyday chores like washing up and laundry is a good habit to get in to, rearranging the furniture in your room and sorting through your things to avoid work perhaps isn’t.

• Make time for relaxing.

Even during the height of exam period it’s important to take time for yourself. Call your parents, Facetime your best friend from back home, watch a couple of episodes of your favourite TV show, go out for a pint with your housemates, or do whatever makes you happiest and can get you out of the house or the library.

• Break it down.

Don’t think of a 5,000 word essay as sitting down and writing 5,000 words in one day. Break tasks down in to more manageable sub-tasks (for example; selecting your essay title, visiting the library to collect books, making the plan, writing 500 words a day for ten days etc.)  This will not only make the work more manageable, it will reduce the stress of the whole process.

• Be realistic.

No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to write your dissertation in a night. You should set yourself realistic goals and be sensible about the amount of time you’ll need to get your work and other tasks done. If you regularly find yourself finishing your assignments the hour before they are due in because you are too busy, perhaps it’s time to rethink the number of things you are committed to and perhaps let something go?

If anyone reading this also has time-management tips they would like to share in the comments, I’d love to read them!

Courtney