managing your time

Going to university can be a stressful experience when you are trying to balance
school, work and a social life. Some students become overwhelmed by the
responsibilities they juggle while in university. They may spend their nights cramming
for tests because of their inability to manage their time wisely. Read on for tips
on how to balance studying with work and social activities.

One way to manage your time wisely is to avoid taking too many hours. If you attend
school full time, take less than 18 hours a semester. Students who overload on
classes often find themselves stressed and overwhelmed. They may not have enough
time to study and will find themselves scrambling to complete assignments, read
textbooks and study for exams.

Buy a student planner in order to keep track of assignment deadlines, work schedules
and social activities. Writing important dates down in your planner will help you
keep track of your day so you stay on task and complete assignments in a timely
manner.

Resist the urge to procrastinate. Waiting till the last minute to study for an exam
or write a research paper will lead to stress, substandard work and poor grades.
Complete your homework when you have the most energy. People who feel more energetic
in the morning should try to do the bulk of their homework in the morning. Night
owls may wish to complete their assignments during the evening hours. On the other
hand, if you are a night owl, avoid nightlong study sessions. This will only cause
you to be burned out.

If you need to work while in university, try to find a job on campus. Campus jobs offer
flexible hours, permitting students to arrange work schedules around their classes.
Since the job is on campus, students can quickly arrive at work without worrying
about a long commute. Some part-time campus jobs may even let you study while you
work. If you can only find a job off-campus, hunt for jobs that offer flexible
schedules and support the fact that you are a college student.

Just because you are attending university does not mean you have to study all the time.
If you avoid taking too many class hours, you will have time to join clubs, attend
social events and hang out with friends. Allow time for one or two of your favorite
hobbies since these activities help you cultivate an emotionally healthy lifestyle.

Students who manage their time wisely learn to say no. Knowing your limitations will
help you to say no to invitations from friends when you are feeling too tired or
stressed out. Set your priorities and avoid activities that distract you from your
goals. For example, if you are invited to go out with friends but you know you have
to work on a research paper, it may be wise to turn down the invitation.

The reality is that universities are filled with
students who are still learning how to juggle school, work and a social life.
Attending university is an exciting experience that can sometimes be stressful if you
do not learn how to manage your time well. By staying organized, avoiding the urge
to procrastinate, finding a flexible work schedule, taking time for yourself and
setting your priorities, you can enjoy a balanced university life that will eventually
lead to success.