Organisation is a key skill in life, especially as a student working towards a degree which will propel you towards the career you’ve been dreaming of. You need to use your time wisely, and keep on top of all the different areas of your life. Below you’ll find some tips for how to organise your time as a student!
Use a diary/calendar
Whether it’s an old-school paper diary, the calendar app on your phone or a desk pad split into days of the week, you need a diary of some sort. This is a place to track everything to do with your studies: when each lecture and seminar is, when term starts and ends, when each piece of work is due in or each exam takes place. Update it regularly, look at it daily, colour coordinate it – make it your best friend. This is one of the key things to do when looking at how to organise your time as a student.
Don’t procrastinate
It’s easier said than done, we know, but when you’ve made that schedule in your diary or calendar you need to stick to it. There’s no point in sitting down to work and then just spending your time on TikTok or deep diving into conspiracy theory videos on YouTube. Turn your phone off, put some non-distracting music on and get to it!
Try batch cooking
If you have a really intensive course with long days right through the week, you might want to give batch cooking a go at the weekend. Cook large portions of your favourite meals and freeze them, ready to defrost and eat throughout the week when time is sparse.
Don’t be afraid to say no
FOMO (fear of missing out) is a real thing, we know. But if someone invites you on a last minute night out and you’ve got an essay due tomorrow, don’t worry about saying no – there will be other nights out! Similarly, if there’s a specific night out that you do want to go on, somebody’s birthday or a society night out, plan around it so that you *don’t* have any work left to do and can enjoy your night to the full.
Get plenty of sleep
You need sleep to function well, especially as a student. When it comes to how to organise your time as a student, sleep can help – you’ll be more focused, more energised, more likely to stick to your schedule and avoid procrastinating. Make your student accommodation bedroom as sleep-friendly as possible, and get early nights whenever you can.
There are plenty of ways to organise your time well as a student; it’s all about finding what works best for you, and knowing what you need to prioritise. Staying organised and on top of things will help you succeed within your degree, and set you up well for future employment.
