We’ve all had those oh-so hectic days of rushing from class to class, trying to finish notes and homework in between already packed schedules, and cramming in all the information from last week’s lecture to stay up to date. Not to mention it’s ten times harder when you have a part-time job. It sounds almost impossible to juggle so much. But how hard is it really? Instead of letting tough semesters get you down, follow these productive tips today, and your future self with thank you tomorrow. Juggling so many time-consuming tasks may be a challenge, but it’s not impossible to manage.
Organization
Planning your days is one of the most important things to remember when looking to stay productive. Any project can be done if broken down into smaller tasks. Writing deadlines and important dates in a planner or agenda will help you keep track of your time.
You can even type down events on your phone’s calendar and set reminders for anything your teacher mentions. One helpful tip is to write down all of your deadlines and important events as soon as you get your syllabus or schedule. Keeping a physical copy of your schedule is handy, but something about writing down deadlines is extra helpful when you’re buried underneath a pile of papers!
Study Groups
Being in a new classroom can be awkward, but you’re not the only person who thinks this. You would be surprised by how many of your fellow classmates share the same sentiment. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your classmates and form a group. Chances are, they too are looking everywhere for a chance to be productive!
Take time after class to look over notes and prep for the next quiz or project. Everyone’s goal is to pass the class, which can also be applied to the workplace; learning how to work in groups is a valuable skill that can be included in your professional portfolio.
Note-Taking
Before you start questioning this, I’m not saying to make your notes look like the ones you see on Instagram—top-quality notebook filled with perfect handwriting, a title in calligraphy, and little doodles on the side. There’s no need to go over-the-top to make pretty notes, especially if the professor is talking way too fast for you to write.
However, try these steps instead. First, bring a tape recorder, if your professor allows it, and record the lecture. Take down quick points but leave space in between each topic. Then when you sit down to do your homework, fill in the spaces with the details the professor touched on. In addition, take notes as if you’re making a study guide for someone else.
Be sure to touch on the more emphasized points. Are they going to be on the exam? Did the professor constantly revert back to the same one or two topics? Go in as much detail and simplify the material. If you can do that, it will be much easier to study with, and you’ll be prepared for your exams.
And finally…
TAKE BREAKS!
This point cannot be stressed enough. If you feel like it’s too much, take a step back. In order to be productive at your fullest potential, you need to make time for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with stopping everything to catch your breath. Just stop. Take deep breaths. Meditate, do yoga—anything that can help you calm down. Take a few steps back and re-organize yourself, to get your footing again. Also, don’t be afraid to join a support group or talk to a friend. Just be sure to speak up about how you feel; it will be better for you in the long run.
These points can seem redundant at times as so many people have heard these tips from hundreds or thousands of self-help blogs, YouTube videos, Twitter threads, Instagram posts, etc. However, it’s always nice to have a little reminder from a fellow college student going through the same thing. It’s not easy, but we can all relate to the same problems. It’s how we help each other that makes college worth while.