freshmen in college, time management | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Staying Calm & Time Management 101

Advice from a senior in college

54
http://make1kadaywithimmacc.blogspot.com/2014/08/schedule-yourself-for-success-5-time.html

Pulling an all-nighter and cramming for tests, spending endless hours in the library, trying to reach the minimum word count requirement for an essay assignment, going heavy on coffee and energy drinks to survive the exams week… This is basically what all freshmen go through. However, you know what the funny thing is, I am a senior in college and have never pulled an all-nighter or go crazy when it comes to finals week. I will be a senior and have made it through three years of college without dying at the end of every semester. I know this is unbelievable for many but here are my tips to all freshmen on how to stay sane as the workload gets heavier:

  • 1. Planning is Everything: I used to be that girl in high school who thought that taking a mental note is enough but that never works out. We will forget things and it is ok. We are merely humans. The best way to not only remember but to stay motivated to get what needs to be done is by writing it down. Scrolling through Facebook and Instagram news feed can eat up shocking amounts of hours. Minimize numbing, unproductive daily activities. Keep track of the college tasks you need to complete so you know the exact amount of academic workload you're dealing with. The planner is everything. Use different colors if needed but writing down and keeping track is the best and most productive way of staying on top of your work.
  • 2. Procrastination is the Enemy: You have that paper you need to write but cannot seem to put words into action. Personally, I never really suffer from this because I am a fan of writing. I promise there isn't a shortcut to stop procrastinating, but taking baby steps will help you come a long way. You can start by visualizing the feeling of satisfaction and self-proud once you get the task done. Another useful trick includes publicly committing to finishing some task. Tell a friend or share your goals on social media. This is effective as humans are naturally hardwired to care about their reputation, so they don't want to look lazy or weak in the eyes of others.
  • 3. Lastly, Be Realistic: Avoid setting goals for yourself that you know you won't stick to. Doing so will only lead to disappointment. Instead, identify realistic ones you can work toward. Understanding the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals that are realistic and achievable is vital for a successful student. For example, if a student's short-term goal is to earn a 3.5-grade point average, I suggest steps of conducting a daily class and weekly reviews of notes. Additionally, creating a plan of action is the best way to accomplish your goals. It often turns once-unreachable goals into more realistic ones.

What I am trying to provide is not only how to be a successful student but how to enjoy your years in college without stressing out too much. These are the year you will look back at and remember all the fun and crazy thing you did. You do not want to recall your college years as you stressing and not getting work done. Just stay on top of it from the start and it gets easier as years pass. Remember, write what needs to be done, stay away from the enemy procrastination and be realistic. Life is complicated enough because we cannot control certain aspects. This you can control so take it by the horns and work.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181771
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8609
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453460
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23891
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments