Budgeting your time

Myths about time management:

• Time management is nothing but common sense. I do well in school, so I must be managing my time effectively
• Time management? I work better under pressure
• No matter what I do I will never get it all done
• It takes all the fun out of life

The Truth:

• You are more productive
• You reduce your stress
• You improve your self-esteem
• You achieve balance in your life
• You avoid meltdowns
• You feel more confident in your ability to get things done
• You reach your goals

When making your weekly schedule, ask yourself:

• What do I expect to accomplish?
• What will I have to do to reach these goals?
• What tasks are more important than others?
• How much time will each activity take?
• When will I do each activity?
• How flexible do I have to be to allow for unexpected things?

How much time do I need for class?

• Each credit = 1 hour in class per week
• Plan to study 2-3 hours for every 1 hour in class per week
• 16 credits = (16 hours in class each week) + (2/3 x 16 for study time)
  • Total of 48-64 hours per week

To Do Lists:

• Make a list of everything you need to do each day
• Add an approximation for how much time it will take you to do each task
• Don't forget living activities: eating, commuting, laundry, dishes, etc.

Making a schedule:

• Set realistic goals
• Study at the same time each day, if possible
• Plan breaks
• Don't forget to reward yourself if you finish early

Revisit and revive your plan:

• After living your schedule, how are you actually using your time?
• Which tasks were you able to do? What didn't get done?
• Was your energy level appropriate? Your stress level?
• What changes need to be made to your weekly schedule?
• What are persistent time waters?
• Could better communication have helped you stick to your plan?
  • Make sure your family/roommates/friends knows your schedule
• Was procrastination an issue?