Being successful at the college level will probably require a more careful and effective utilization of time than you have ever achieved before. Using time efficiently involves setting little goals to achieve your big ones. The following information will give you steps to look at the “big picture” and then narrow down your requirements into smaller and more manageable tasks. Making use of the majority of the following techniques will ensure greater time management and success. As always, a counselor is available to help you examine which options are best and how to use them.

• Step 1: Make an assignment list.
• Step 2: Create a master schedule for the semester.
• Step 3: Create a detailed schedule for the week.
• Step 4: Create a daily "To Do" list.

Other Suggestions

Study at the same time every day.
In so far as possible, you should schedule certain hours, which are used for studying almost every day in a habitual, systematic way. Having regular hours at least five days a week will make it easier to habitually follow the schedule and to maintain an active approach to study.

Make use of the free hours.
The hours between classes may be your most valuable study time yet, ironically, the most frequently misused. You can use this time effectively by reviewing the material and editing the notes of the preceding class and/or studying the material to be discussed in the following class.

Space your study periods.
Fifty to ninety minutes of study at a time for each course works best. Relaxation periods of ten or fifteen minutes should be scheduled between study periods. It is more efficient to study hard for a definite period of time and then stop for a few minutes, than to attempt to study on indefinitely.

Plan for weekly reviews.
At least one hour each week for each class (distinct from study time) should be scheduled. The weekend is a good time for review.

Leave some time unscheduled for flexibility.
This is important. Lack of flexibility is the major reason why schedules fail. Students tend to over-schedule themselves.

Allot time for other activities.
When forced to deviate from your planned schedule (and that will invariably occur), you should trade time rather than steal it from your schedule. Thus, if you have an unexpected visitor at a time reserved for study, you can substitute an equal amount of study time for the period you set aside for recreation (or use some of the time you left unscheduled).

** This information was adapted from the virtual pamphlet collection, with this specific piece coming from Texas Women’s University Counseling Center