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Levi
Student
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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What is the most effective way you have found to efficiently use time management to get your work done while getting used to a new environment in your first year of college? #Spring26
I am going into my first year of college this fall, and want to make sure I'm not overwhelmed by getting acclimated while trying to get all of my work done. Any time management hacks or advice would be helpful!
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C Venkat
37
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi Levi,
An excellent question! Time management will be crucial for your success and well-being in college.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that you are balancing your school work, while prioritizing your well-being:
1. Have a regular schedule for waking up & going to bed - sleep is extremely important for you to function well & focus in your classes etc. It is tempting to go to parties and other events with your new freedom, but limit that to once in a while & if possible to the weekends.
2. Understand your workload - speak to your professors, Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Seniors to understand what classes will be more demanding in terms of assignments & homework, quizzes, tests etc. Note that even within the same college 2 different professors can teach the course very differently, so be sure to take that into account.
3. Have a study schedule that is realistic - cramming in college is not a good idea as the content will be more and unlike high school, the depth of the subject will also be more. However, by keeping up with your classes, spending a few hours every day on homework/assignments consistently will pay off.
4. Make use of any office hours or TA sessions - especially if you need clarifications or need extra help with any topic.
5. Join clubs or other extracurriculars but limit them in your 1st semester. These are a great way for you to meet new people, and a good menta distraction from coursework. The choices may be overwhelming depending on which college you are going to, so be selective & speak to the current members during Club fairs to see what interests you. You can always explore other clubs after you settle down.
6. Reserve time for exercise - this is equally important to be healthy and a great way to relax your mind.
7. Explore the college campus, neighborhood & city/town if this is new to you, with other students. It's a fun way to make friends and have a good time.
8. Be safe - be aware of your surroundings and do not put yourself in risky situations (late nights alone, going out to party with strangers etc.)
9. If you feel overwhelmed, take deep breaths and count to 10 - this is scientifically proven to instantly calm your nerves. Then think about what is making you feel that way. Is it coursework? If so, all you need to do is carve out some extra time after classes or on weekends to catch up. Is the subject not making sense or feeling too hard? Use the Office hours, TA sessions or plan to group study (if that works for you). If you feel homesick (quite common in the 1st semester), keep in touch with your family & friends back home regularly. Know that you are not alone and you are smart and intelligent - You CAN DO THIS!
This is one of the best times in your life, so enjoy every day to the fullest!
Best wishes to you in college!
An excellent question! Time management will be crucial for your success and well-being in college.
Here are some things you can do to ensure that you are balancing your school work, while prioritizing your well-being:
1. Have a regular schedule for waking up & going to bed - sleep is extremely important for you to function well & focus in your classes etc. It is tempting to go to parties and other events with your new freedom, but limit that to once in a while & if possible to the weekends.
2. Understand your workload - speak to your professors, Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Seniors to understand what classes will be more demanding in terms of assignments & homework, quizzes, tests etc. Note that even within the same college 2 different professors can teach the course very differently, so be sure to take that into account.
3. Have a study schedule that is realistic - cramming in college is not a good idea as the content will be more and unlike high school, the depth of the subject will also be more. However, by keeping up with your classes, spending a few hours every day on homework/assignments consistently will pay off.
4. Make use of any office hours or TA sessions - especially if you need clarifications or need extra help with any topic.
5. Join clubs or other extracurriculars but limit them in your 1st semester. These are a great way for you to meet new people, and a good menta distraction from coursework. The choices may be overwhelming depending on which college you are going to, so be selective & speak to the current members during Club fairs to see what interests you. You can always explore other clubs after you settle down.
6. Reserve time for exercise - this is equally important to be healthy and a great way to relax your mind.
7. Explore the college campus, neighborhood & city/town if this is new to you, with other students. It's a fun way to make friends and have a good time.
8. Be safe - be aware of your surroundings and do not put yourself in risky situations (late nights alone, going out to party with strangers etc.)
9. If you feel overwhelmed, take deep breaths and count to 10 - this is scientifically proven to instantly calm your nerves. Then think about what is making you feel that way. Is it coursework? If so, all you need to do is carve out some extra time after classes or on weekends to catch up. Is the subject not making sense or feeling too hard? Use the Office hours, TA sessions or plan to group study (if that works for you). If you feel homesick (quite common in the 1st semester), keep in touch with your family & friends back home regularly. Know that you are not alone and you are smart and intelligent - You CAN DO THIS!
This is one of the best times in your life, so enjoy every day to the fullest!
Best wishes to you in college!
This was super helpful thank you so much!
Levi