A good time management plan helps you achieve what you set out to do.
Being able to organise your time effectively ensures you have a balance between your study, family and leisure commitments.
There is no single time management plan for everyone. Your time management plan will be based on your personality, goals, workload and other commitments.
Four steps to organise your time
Use a yearly planner to help you understand the big picture. Mark down the busiest times in the year. These may include holidays, work commitments, family celebrations or sporting competitions. Don't forget university assessment periods.
For example, you may be incredibly busy with exams towards the end of each trimester. If you block this time out on your yearly wall planner, you won’t accidentally schedule a camping trip during finals week.
At the beginning of each trimester you are given all your assessment details, including assignments, class presentations, mid-trimester exams and projects. Find all the key dates in your course outline and add these to your wall planner.
Break down each assessment item into tasks, and estimate the time needed to complete them. For example, how much time is needed to research, write, revise and edit each assignment. Add these task deadlines to your wall planner.
Use a weekly planner to block out:
- all your classes, lectures and tutorials
- periods of study at your high-energy times
- lower priority activities such as housework and watching TV at your lower-energy times
- assessment tasks—see your yearly wall planner
- time for fun—a reward for putting in the hard work.
Write a to-do list each day. It can be satisfying crossing things off your list.
This can help stop you procrastinating. Just pick a task and get on with it!
Do you have a moment’s spare time? Complete one of the smaller tasks on your list.
Make sure you set goals that are challenging but achievable, and study regularly for short periods of time rather than tire yourself out.
Ask the library
We are here to help!
Find us in the libraries or contact us by phone or online.
Workshops
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Peer assisted study sessions
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