Time Management

	Time Management

Building a Study Schedule

Step 1: Prepare a list of all coursework assignments for the semester

Get your course syllabi for the semester
Create an assignment list for each course. Include readings, projects, papers, tests, test preparation time, etc.
Break big and long‐term assignments into small units. List each unit separately. For example, for a large paper:

Estimate how long each activity will take and then double it. With practice, you will improve your ability to estimate the time required for long‐term tasks.
List dates when assignments (and small units) are to be completed. Work backward from the due date to estimate the amount of time required for each.

Step 2: Make a semester calendar

Get a Day Planner. This is an essential time management tool.
Write in each item from Step One.
Include other commitments, e.g., trips, family events, doctor appointments, etc.

Step 3: Create a master weekly schedule for yourself

Begin by entering your class schedule.
Then include all fixed weekly activities for the semester, e.g., sleeping, exercise/sports, work, family commitments, personal care/grooming, meal preparation/eating/clean‐up, transportation, relaxing, socializing, etc.
Plan your study time using the two‐to‐one ratio: two hours of study time for every hour in class. For example, six hours in class require 12 hours of study time per week.
For lecture classes, use blocks of time immediately after class to keep material fresh in your mind.
Allow for adequate sleep each night and time for eating a well‐balanced diet.
After living with your schedule a while, make adjustments to create one that fits your personal style. This may be a detailed weekly schedule, a simplified list of things to do, or some combination.

Step 4: Make a To-Do-List every day

Get in the habit of making a To‐Do‐List every day, either before bedtime or in the early morning.
Be specific – define exactly what you need to do.
Break large tasks into small, manageable chunks.
Be realistic about the amount of time necessary to complete each task.
Determine a priority level for each task to be accomplished: (A) high, (B) moderate, and (C) low.
List tasks in priority order.