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Essential Academic Skills

Skills for Success / Academic Skills / Essential Academic Skills

Time Management

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What is it?

Time management is the process of organizing and planning how to divide your time between different activities. Effective time management means you can get more done or do things to a better standard in the time available. It means prioritising tasks appropriately so that you spend time on what really matters.

Why is it important?

Good time management is essential for academic success because it helps you prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and reduce stress. It is particularly important if you are doing your own research project, if you are doing a full-time job, or if you have a family. By managing your time effectively, you can balance your studies with other commitments, avoid last-minute cramming, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Examples

  • Creating a Schedule: Using a planner or digital calendar to map out your study sessions, classes, and extracurricular activities.
  • Setting Priorities: Identifying the most important tasks and focusing on them first to ensure critical deadlines are met.
  • Breaking Tasks into Smaller Steps: Dividing larger projects into manageable chunks to make them less overwhelming and easier to tackle.
  • Avoiding Procrastination: Developing strategies to stay focused and motivated, such as setting specific goals and rewarding yourself for completing tasks.

How can I learn how to do it?

  • Workshops and Seminars: Attend time management workshops offered by the university to learn practical techniques and strategies.
  • Online Resources: Utilize online tools and apps designed to help with time management, such as task managers and productivity trackers.
  • Academic Advisors: Seek advice from academic advisors on how to effectively manage your study schedule and workload.

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