Balancing Life Equals Time Management

College students have the busiest schedules. Between homework, family, work and balancing a social life it can become difficult to manage time. Prioritizing, organizing, and scheduling are essential in making sure work is done and deadlines are met.

Dartmouth College offers great tips online to allow students to learn how to manage time.  First, try to plan your day the night before and always have an agenda or planner with you.  When planning your day, set your priorities.  Examine your day and make sure that all you are doing is productive.  When you see that you have time to spear, review notes from class.  Always reserve at least 15 to 30 minutes before each class to review notes or read.  Students need to stick to the agenda they set. 

Is it important to set time for yourself.  Students need some down time in order not to overwhelm themselves.  Students can be productive and have fun at the same time.  Make some time to join organizations at school or join sports.  A healthy lifestyle includes socializing.  These are great ways to be productive and socialize at the same time.  Students need to exercise in order to be healthy.  Joining sports creates time to exercise and have fun while doing it.  Joining organizations is also productive because most organizations work together for their community and have fun by socializing and learning.

It is exhausting trying to balance family and school.  Always try to set a day just for family.  Sunday's are usually considered family day for most people.  Students should try to set their priorities during the week to avoid having to work on family day, Sunday.  Sunday is the day that most people have off and most importantly parents.  This family day can be productive for the entire family.  This is the day that your family gets to interact with you and learn more about your interests and qualities.  This is the day you get to discuss all you have done during the week and make your family proud, hence making yourself proud of your accomplishments.

In order to keep track of assignments, tests, and other priorities, students should consider buying a planner. Mental calendars are not enough to ensure things will be done.  Having a set schedule serves as a reminder of what needs to get done. Daily Lists are also a good way to organize tasks that need to be completed. Using your time wisely is essential. Procrastinating will only lead to induced stress and poor work quality.

For more information on this article, you may contact log onto the Dartmouth College website atwww.dartmouth.edu.

(Elisa Zubeldia at eazubeldia@dusty.tamiu.eduor Karla Olmos at karla.olmos@dusty.tamiu.edu.)