Time Management
Most activities either have a fixed time requirement and others are flexible. The most common that you need to consider are:
- FIXED: classes, eating, organizations, work, etc.
- FLEXIBLE: sleeping, study time, recreation, etc.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino
Make sure to incorporate enough study time for all of your courses. Most college classes recommend spending three hours of outside work per credit hour per week. By multiplying your credit load by three you can get a good idea of how much time you should spend studying every week. Of course, if you spend more time reading or like to take copious notes this amount may fluctuate.
Also, break assignments in to smaller segments, such as library research, read articles & take notes, rough draft, edit paper, and the final draft. You can also break study tasks in to smaller segments such as reading chapters individually, outline the chapters, make note cards, study the note cards, and review for the exam.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino
Regularity in studying is extremely important. Make sure you know what you are going to study, and when, so it allows you to save time in making decisions and finding materials. Avoid generalizations in your schedule such as "study" and instead be more specific and commit certain times to certain subjects such as "study history" during certain hours.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino
It is a good idea to review over lecture notes while they are still fresh in your mind. Also, start assignements while your memory of the assignments is still accurate.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino
Utilize all of the time you spend in between classes to study. These hours are easily wasted, but they can be very beneficial. Using them for study will result in free time for recreational activities later on in your schedule.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino
If an unexpected activity arises that takes up time you had planned to use studying, decide immediately where you can trade off some of your "free" time to make up the missed study time and adjust your schedule for that week.
Source: California State University, San Bernardino