Quick time management for the working student

Get used to employing daily to-do lists. Take some time after waking up to create it, and do not start the day till you have planned it out. Schedule time for everything, including things you want to do or places you want to eat out at instead of just work or university-related things you have to do, so you have at least some points in the list to look forward to. Always carry all your on-going projects from both university and work in your backpack. Free time opens up unexpectedly – from sitting in a bus, waiting for a doctor’s appointment, the time it takes for the food to arrive at a restaurant. You can use all these short time blocks to get small things done, or at least make progress. To be efficient at time management one has to be good at saying no. Colleagues will always try to pile more work on you, especially if you are new and likely to accept anything in the hopes of impressing your coworkers. Friends will always want to plan out door activities. You have to prioritise and learn to say no to things that you do not want to do, and that you do not have to. Schedule your important tasks at your own convenience. Some people work best first thing in the morning, while others need the night to put in their 100%. Find out what works for you and do your important tasks during the time you are likely to work most efficiently. Compartmentalise and re-dedicate your time. You have to find time blocks for work and for university that do not overlap. While you are doing university work, do just that, before moving on to other work. Plan for the future. While the daily to-do list helps you get through everyday more efficiently, you have to consider your plans for the future as well – maybe a certain activity you put in for Tuesday could easily be completed on the way to another task today, freeing up time to relax, or get something else done, on Tuesday. Do not focus on the little things because you are dreading the bigger things. When your plate is full it is often easier to tell yourself you are doing your best by keeping yourself busy with smaller, inconsequential details. Re-evaluate your to-do list and get to the big, important tasks first.