Academic Resource Center

Student Skill Series: Time Management

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FIVE TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS

Effective time management is an essential skill for academic success. Planning ahead, staying organized, and establishing consistent habits can help reduce stress, improve productivity, and make it easier to meet deadlines. The following five time management tips can help you stay on track throughout the term.

Expand or collapse content 1. Know Due Dates

At the beginning of the term, review all the assignments for the entire course to get an idea of when bigger projects are due. Think about how the assignments connect. Set weekly goals to help keep you focused.

Expand or collapse content 2. Plan Your Time

Use a calendar (smart phone, Google Calendar, iCal) and set reminder alarms ahead of important due dates. YouTube has great tutorials showing you how these work.

A tip for the perfectionists: Don't stress too much which calendar tool you choose! They all serve the same general function.

Expand or collapse content 3. Create a Routine

Spend the beginning of each week planning your time on a calendar, specific times for specific school assignments. Use your calendar to plan your time. Print it and hang it on the wall if it motivates you! Keep the times you set aside for school work sacred. It can be effective to break the time up—30-minute chunks—with breaks in between.

Expand or collapse content 4. Prepare to Study

Check your SNHU email every day and review instructor announcements. Make your environment ready for your school time; silence your phone, put on music if it helps, shut the door if you have one! Do your best to make a dedicated space—as well as a dedicated time—for your student life!

Expand or collapse content 5. Reward Yourself

Plan time for fun and relaxation, too! Take walks on your breaks. Call a friend to celebrate the end of a good study session. Make time for rest and joy.

Overcoming procrastination is a process, not an overnight change. 

By understanding your procrastination habits, maintaining a positive mindset, using effective time management strategies, and taking small steps each day, you can build productive habits that support your academic and personal success. Remember, progress is more important than perfection.

Need More Help?

Looking to improve your student skills? Book with a coach! To learn more about Academic Coaching, see the What is Academic Coaching page.

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