3 answers
Ella
Student
Kirtland, OH
1
Question
Updated
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Everyone always says that in college you have to “manage your time,” but I have never really understood how you go about approaching the endless time that is given to you when you arrive at college. How do I effectively “manage my time” with so many responsibilities and distractions especially within a rigorous major?
I am a senior in high school and plan to major in nursing!
I love dance and fitness to relieve stress and relax as well. I look forward to the vast opportunities college has to offer!
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3 answers
Ankita Sakhare
23
Answers
Updated
Ankita’s Answer
Managing your time in college, especially as a nursing major, can feel like a lot at first, but with the right approach, it becomes more manageable. Here’s how to effectively “manage your time” while balancing your studies, responsibilities, and personal interests:
1. Prioritize Your Tasks
List everything you need to do — classes, studying, assignments, social activities, etc.
Rank tasks by importance and deadlines. Your nursing classes will require a lot of attention, so make sure those are prioritized.
2. Use Time Blocking
Allocate specific time slots each day for studying, classes, fitness, and self-care. For example, schedule a solid study block after your morning classes and reserve evening time for a fitness class or relaxation.
3. Plan Ahead with a Calendar
Use a digital calendar or planner to keep track of your assignments and due dates.
Set reminders for tasks and deadlines, so nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Break Tasks into Smaller Goals
Instead of saying “study for 4 hours,” break it into smaller chunks, like “study for 1 hour on anatomy.” This makes big tasks feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
5. Maintain Balance
Be realistic with your schedule. Leave room for flexibility and rest.
Include activities you enjoy, like dance and fitness, to avoid burnout and relieve stress.
Remember: Time management is a skill you’ll keep developing as you go! College can be busy, but with the right planning, you’ll be able to stay on top of everything while enjoying the opportunities college has to offer.
1. Prioritize Your Tasks
List everything you need to do — classes, studying, assignments, social activities, etc.
Rank tasks by importance and deadlines. Your nursing classes will require a lot of attention, so make sure those are prioritized.
2. Use Time Blocking
Allocate specific time slots each day for studying, classes, fitness, and self-care. For example, schedule a solid study block after your morning classes and reserve evening time for a fitness class or relaxation.
3. Plan Ahead with a Calendar
Use a digital calendar or planner to keep track of your assignments and due dates.
Set reminders for tasks and deadlines, so nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Break Tasks into Smaller Goals
Instead of saying “study for 4 hours,” break it into smaller chunks, like “study for 1 hour on anatomy.” This makes big tasks feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
5. Maintain Balance
Be realistic with your schedule. Leave room for flexibility and rest.
Include activities you enjoy, like dance and fitness, to avoid burnout and relieve stress.
Remember: Time management is a skill you’ll keep developing as you go! College can be busy, but with the right planning, you’ll be able to stay on top of everything while enjoying the opportunities college has to offer.
Casandra Valencia
Strategy and Planning
10
Answers
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Updated
Casandra’s Answer
Hi! Time management is planning, prioritization and discipline. And it is something that you will carry throughout life. Attending college for the first time is a great place to start good habits. Once you start taking classes you will quickly realize how much time each one will take. What might seem like and endless day with 24 hours will start going very quickly. With so many responsibilities you will need to prioritize what is most important to you and what are just distractions. With the distractions you will need to set boundaries because it ends up being unproductive time. Remember to take care of yourself as well. Sleep is super important. Fitness is also a good stress relief (good for your mind and good for your body). Good luck!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1461
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hi Ella,
You're absolutely right, time in college can feel both endless and vanishing. What the other mentors have mentioned about prioritization and scheduling is crucial. I’ll add a less-discussed but powerful trick, just anchor your week around “non-negotiables.” These are fixed commitments—like lectures, labs, workouts, or even dance classes, that you treat like appointments you won’t miss. Everything else (study blocks, social time, breaks) gets built around them.
By creating a “rhythm” for your week instead of trying to micromanage every hour, you’ll avoid burnout and feel more in control. Nursing is demanding—but your dance and fitness passions can be your energy fuel, not a distraction.
All the best out there buddy and feel free to reach out if you ever may need.
Try mapping your week visually every Sunday using color-coded time blocks (Google Calendar works great). It helps you see balance, not just think it.
Keep one day lighter—your mind needs recovery just like muscles do.
You're absolutely right, time in college can feel both endless and vanishing. What the other mentors have mentioned about prioritization and scheduling is crucial. I’ll add a less-discussed but powerful trick, just anchor your week around “non-negotiables.” These are fixed commitments—like lectures, labs, workouts, or even dance classes, that you treat like appointments you won’t miss. Everything else (study blocks, social time, breaks) gets built around them.
By creating a “rhythm” for your week instead of trying to micromanage every hour, you’ll avoid burnout and feel more in control. Nursing is demanding—but your dance and fitness passions can be your energy fuel, not a distraction.
All the best out there buddy and feel free to reach out if you ever may need.
Dr recommends the following next steps: