Timing is everything – Time management tips for students

Unlike school, university gives students a significant amount of freedom and flexibility around their assignments, coursework and revision. Students are given a great deal of free time outside of lectures and seminars and are expected to demonstrate a level of independence by prioritizing time management as a key skill for academic success. As staff rarely chases up assignments, time management is an invaluable competence which allows students to use their free time productively by juggling academic responsibilities with other important aspects of university such as part time employment, leisure and budgeting.

Students should become familiar with a number of key skills which are crucial for effective time management:

Prioritization is essential for making the best use of your own efforts and reducing the emotional impact of stress. When time is tight and deadlines are looming, prioritising your workload will help you to allocate your time wisely by identifying which tasks demand the most attention.

Reviewing how you use your time is a good way to identify the changes you can make to become more productive. Keeping a weekly record of activities allows you to establish inefficiencies in your day; self manage your time and make measurable changes that will impact positively on your studies.

Establishing a weekly routine gives you a clearer sense of direction and minimises the likelihood of making unproductive decisions. Identifying how and where you work well will help you to organise your time effectively and provide a comfortable environment in which to develop.

Your quality of life and education will depend on the ways in which you organise and prioritise your time as a student. Prioritise time management at university and you will be laying the foundations for a successful professional life.

Middlesex University offers dedicated services to help students manage their studies and deal with any problems they might encounter, be it of a personal, financial or practical nature.