Let’s be honest – life as a student is BUSY. Between juggling classes, assignments, work, caring responsibilities, and squeezing in a social life, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day. But here’s the thing: we all have 24 hours – so what separates the organised from the stressed out?
The secret? Time management.
If you’re ready to take control, reduce stress and master your study schedule like a pro, keep reading. We’ve got the best time management tips and study tricks that’ll help you not only survive but thrive.
The Procrastination Trap: Why Do We Do It?
Whether it’s the lure of binge-watching Netflix or scrolling social media, procrastination can strike at the worst possible times. But why do we procrastinate, and more importantly, how can we beat it?
Here’s what might be holding you back:
- Fear of failure – Sometimes, the idea of starting feels overwhelming. What if you don’t do well? But here’s the thing: simply getting started is already a win.
- Perfectionism – Waiting for the “perfect” moment or idea? The truth is that it doesn’t exist. Start messy, you can refine later.
- Distraction central – Phone, friends, food – you name it, distractions are everywhere. Create a focused environment and set boundaries with your time
Curious about what makes us tick – like why we procrastinate? Our Psychology courses explore the science of human behaviour. It’s a fantastic field for anyone wanting to understand people better!
Eat the Frog? No, Not Literally!
Here’s a great trick to add to your time management strategies for students: tackle your hardest, most dreaded task first. This approach, called “eating the frog”, doesn’t involve any actual amphibians – it’s all about getting the toughest job out of the way early so the rest of your day feels smoother. This is one of the most effective time management tips for students who struggle with prioritising tasks.
How to Plan Your Time Like a Pro
The most successful students have one thing in common – they plan. But we’re not talking rigid, hour-by-hour military schedules. Time planning is more like creating a roadmap for yourself.
Here’s how to craft a great study plan:
- Visualise your time – Download a planner or use an app to map out your week.
- Prioritise assignments – Big essay due? Map out your tasks early and avoid that 3am panic. Assign smaller deadlines along the way.
- Time-block – Break your day into chunks for focused work. The Pomodoro Technique is one of the best time management strategies for students: work in focused bursts of 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. It helps you stay sharp and avoid burnout.
You can even develop your own tips for time management by experimenting with different methods.
ACAP students can book in with an Academic Skills Advisor who can guide you on how to create an effective study plan that fits your personal needs and give you tips for time management.
You can also check out the Learning Hub, where you’ll find 24/7 online resources, one-on-one sessions, and webinars designed to help you stay organised and thrive academically.
The Best Time Management Tools You NEED Right Now
Being organised isn’t just about keeping a tidy desk (though it helps!). There are tons of useful tools and apps designed to improve time management strategies for students and help you stay on track.
Here are a few student favourites:
- Todoist – Keep track of all your tasks in one place. You can tick things off (which is strangely satisfying) as you complete them.
- Habitica – Turn your to-do list into a game! You earn rewards for ticking off tasks and levelling up.
- Forest – Plant a tree, focus, and watch it grow. The catch? If you leave the app, your tree dies. It’s a really fun way to stay on track!
- Trello – Perfect for managing group projects. Collaborate with teammates and keep everyone on track.
Whether you’re a visual planner or a tech lover, there’s something out there to help you become a master at time management.
How to Manage Your Study Time Efficiently
Got 30 minutes between classes? Use it wisely! Every minute counts, but it’s about quality over quantity. Here’s a breakdown of how to manage your study time depending on the length of your free slots:
- 30–45 mins: Skim through class notes, review key concepts or brainstorm for assignments.
- 45 mins–2 hours: Great for writing a draft or completing in-depth reading. Focus on tackling one task fully.
- 2+ hours: Dive into the deep work. Write that essay or revise large sections of your notes.
One thing to remember – always take breaks! Overloading your brain doesn’t lead to effective learning. Step away from the books, stretch or go for a quick walk.
The Importance of Rest and Balance
We get it. When you’re in study mode, it’s tempting to power through and keep going. But your brain needs downtime to process all the information you’re cramming in.
Some of the best ways to recharge include:
- Sleep – Don’t sacrifice sleep for study. A tired brain can’t retain information as well as a rested one.
- Exercise – A quick workout or even a 10-minute walk can clear your mind and boost focus.
- Disconnect – Step away from the screen. Unplugging gives your brain a break and helps improve concentration.
If you’re the kind of person who loves helping others manage stress and find balance, check out our Counselling courses – they’ll give you the skills to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Staying Flexible with Your Study Schedule
It’s important to remember that these time management tips aren’t about being rigid with your study schedule – it’s about being adaptable. Things don’t always go to plan, and that’s okay! What’s more important is knowing how to adjust when life throws you a curveball.
Here’s how to stay flexible:
- Leave buffer time in your schedule for unexpected events.
- Re-evaluate your tasks if something urgent pops up –what can be pushed to tomorrow?
- Say no sometimes. Protect your study time and don’t overcommit to too many activities.
At the end of the day, you’re the boss of your own time. Keep your plan loose enough to account for the unexpected, but structured enough to keep you on track.
Own Your Time and Thrive!
Mastering these time management tips as a student isn’t just about sticking to a rigid routine. It’s about building habits that help you feel more in control of your study schedule and less overwhelmed by your workload.
Whether you’re dealing with procrastination, balancing a full study schedule, or just trying to squeeze in some self-care, the key is awareness. How are you spending your time? What’s taking up your mental energy? By creating an organised, balanced approach to your day, you’ll have more energy and less stress – and who doesn’t want that?
So, what’s your next step? Grab a planner, download a time management app, and let us know how these tips for time management work for you.
