Being in college is no easy task, especially if you’re working to put yourself through school or just taking on a part-time job to make some extra money. This is why you’ll need to manage your time efficiently to take on the challenges of your academic and professional life.
Though some may think that it’s hard to make a living while staying on top of one’s classes at the same time, it can be done with a bit of discipline, organization, and a can-do attitude.
Here are some time management tips for busy working students.
Don’t procrastinate
It’s easy to put off finishing a term paper for later when there’s a raging party to go to, but choosing to do this can result in a bad grade later on. Some people think that they’re at their best when they’re rushing, and while some may actually accomplish things at the last minute, there’s no guarantee that the work that you turned in is free of errors.
So like what your parents said, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can accomplish today. If you find yourself with a chunk of free time, work on your paper or study for a test. You can also use this time to review or rewrite your notes. This way, you stay on top of your classes, and when it’s time to work, you’re focused only on your job.
Make a schedule
There’s a great reason why organized people make a schedule—it works. You can write down things that you have to accomplish, exams, when your paper is due, parties, and the like on a whiteboard, a planner, or a time management app on your smartphone. This way, you can manage your time in college and at work, and have a bit of time to socialize as well.
Be organized
You’ll be surprised at how much time you waste by being disorganized. Not only do you waste time searching for lost items, but it also adds to your stress and anxiety.
Keep your room clean and designate a proper place for your things. You can also save some time looking for outfits in the morning by taking the time to lay out what you’re going to wear the night before.
Take care of your health
It’s hard to be at your best or in school if you’re sick, so don’t take your health for granted. Though it’s tempting to grab some fast food for your daily meals, opt for healthier choices as too much greasy and fatty food can make you gain weight and can lead to heart problems later on.
It’s also important to set aside some time for a quick workout. Take advantage of the campus’ wide, open spaces and go for a jog or a brisk walk. The idea is to stay active so you’ll feel energized for classes and your job.
For more, check out Jobs & Hire’s report on the things successful people do before bedtime.
