How to manage time in college
You can probably get that done on time … and that’s coming from someone who managed to graduate with a decent GPA in high school while showing up to class with a single mechanical pencil in her pocket.
My unserious, Type B personality did not comprehend the challenges of time management in college had until I paid my way through. Now as a senior who works 23-plus hours a week this semester, a full-time student, an intern and a resident shepherd, I tell you, it can be done.
You’ve probably heard it before, but time management is everything; without it there wouldn’t be any check-offs on a to-do list, no red marks to scratch off those tasks.
In the first planner I ever bought, I scribbled everywhere. It was difficult to organize all of my thoughts under the big blueprint of August. The words jumbled together in a ball of mess — it was worth it. That semester all of my hard work paid off and I got through my first year of college successfully.
If it were as easy to manage time as simply buying a planner, I would tell you to invest in one right now, but the only thing coming between you and your balanced life is yourself. Let me explain.
I transferred in as a commuter. If I had a car at the time it would have been an easy eight-minute drive to campus. That wasn’t the case, at least not for every weekday. What could have been an eight-minute drive turned into an hour and a half on the Lynchburg transit. I worked full-time, managed 18 school credits and had to take the bus back around 8 p.m. before they discontinued the route for the night, another hour and a half back home.
Those long days are past me now, but crucial when looking back at my time at Liberty University. I stayed motivated, pushing myself to the finish line. I looked for any opportunities I could in order to build community in school, and becoming a Resident Shepherd (RS) happened to be just that.
The extra responsibility may sound overwhelming for some and although at times it can be, it has been the greatest blessing. I can live on campus now and enjoy the ability to walk anywhere. I get to truly be invested in the community and I can sit down and do homework right outside my workplace if I need to.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 74% of students work at least part-time, while 40% of students work full-time, so for those who have no choice but to work to stay in school, you are not alone and getting your work completed can be done.
When you’re thinking, “I wish I had more time,” “I just have a lot to do,” “time doesn’t stop for anyone,” it all may be true, but choose to be strategic, stay motivated and set and maintain your boundaries — psychology textbooks teach this.
Say no to hanging out and playing games when you need to get that assignment done. Bring your school work everywhere. Set a designated time to sit and apply yourself to the tasks written in your planner. Prioritize your rest times.
Planning allows you to navigate time and use it to your advantage so you’re not feeling burned out while taking on so much all at once.
You, my friend, are the decision maker on making things happen.
Time may not be able to stop, but time management can be the cheat code to get all of your daily tasks checked off as finished.
Mella is an intern for the Liberty Champion