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Student Success

Time Management & Organization

Managing your time in college means balancing classes, studying, work, activities, relationships, and time for yourself. A good plan can help you stay on top of your responsibilities, reduce last-minute stress, and make time for the things that matter to you. 

Find a Planning System That Works for You

Your planning system can be whatever works best for you. Some students prefer a paper planner or a large calendar or whiteboard in their room. Others use an app on their phone or a digital calendar such as Google Calendar. The important thing is to choose a system you will actually use and keep up to date.

Use your planning system to:

  • Keep track of classes, assignments, exams, work, and activities.
  • Set aside specific times to study for each course.
  • See busy weeks coming before they arrive.
  • Break large assignments into smaller steps.
  • Schedule time for meals, sleep, exercise, and other activities.

Planning Tools

Build a Weekly Plan

Once you have a planning system, use it to create a realistic weekly plan. Think of your week as Monday through Sunday—not just Monday through Friday. You may have assignments to complete, exams to prepare for, or projects to work on over the weekend. Planning ahead helps you avoid cramming everything into Sunday night while still leaving time to relax and recharge. 

  • Identify your fixed commitments first.
  • Add study time for each course.
  • Plan around busy days and weeks.
  • Use smaller blocks of time between classes when you can.
  • Build in breaks and time away from coursework.
  • Revisit your plan as your week changes.


Prioritize & Break Things Down

When everything feels important, it can be difficult to know where to start. Identify what needs your attention first, and break larger assignments or projects into smaller, manageable steps.


Getting Started & Fighting Procrastination

Sometimes the hardest part of managing your time is getting started. You don't have to feel motivated before you begin. Start with one small, specific task and give yourself a set amount of time to work on it.

Accountability & Staying on Track

If you have trouble following through on your plans, an accountability strategy can help. You might use an app, share your goal with someone else, or create a system that makes it easier to see your progress.

Make Time for Yourself

Effective time management isn't about filling every minute of your day. Make time for sleep, meals, exercise, friends, and activities you enjoy. Taking care of yourself is part of being a successful student.