You’re all settled into the new semester so that can only mean one thing: assignments are starting to pile up. You may have taken the first few weeks for granted. Sleeping in, partying, never opening or even buying any of your textbooks. Well, you can say goodbye to those luxuries. Believe it or not, there is some work required in college. Don’t let your procrastination cause you to fall behind. Here are some tips to help you with the most difficult assignment you will have throughout your college career: Time Management.
Write it Down
Get a planner. Use your notebook. Write on your hand. Whatever method you choose, write down your assignments and their due dates. It can become nearly impossible to remember everything in your head, especially if you’re taking a full schedule of classes. Once you have everything written down, then you can begin to schedule your time efficiently.
Plan Ahead
Knowing when assignments are due makes it easier to plan your schedule. Complete assignments that are due first or require more time instead of ones that are easier. If you have a test Monday morning and work all day on Sunday, save Saturday as a night to study. No one likes to stay in on the weekend, but if you try to pull an all-nighter on Sunday, chances are you will have trouble retaining the material or may end up sleeping through your exam.
Get Ahead and Stay Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute. You may think you’re off the hook for a while if an assignment is due toward the end of the semester. If you wait until the last minute, you are destined to crash and burn. Split your assignments into smaller tasks and set due dates throughout the semester. You will thank yourself later for saving yourself from a load of stress.
Prioritize
Your school work should come before your social life. You don’t have to live in the library to do well, but you must learn to manage your priorities. It may seem like the world will end if you don’t party one night with your friends but you need to worry about yourself first. If you have work that needs to be done, get it done.
Control Your Distractions
Do you ever find yourself on YouTube watching ridiculous videos of singing cats or chimpanzees riding on segways? That’s called procrastination. Turn your phone off. Log off Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr…you get the point. Leave your room if you have to, because admit it- your bed is most likely your biggest distraction.
Relax
Scheduling time to relax is just as important as getting your work done. Five hour naps may not be ideal, but taking a power nap, going for a run or watching an episode of your favorite television show can help recharge your mind. If you are overworking yourself or not getting enough sleep, your mind will not function properly and will slow you down. So get some shut eye, because sleeping will help you save time.
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