Managing your time is stressful for first-years

Okay, so who is overwhelmed already?

I know I am!

Between finding classes, receiving masses of syllabi, meeting new people, having packets of information thrown at you left and rightand trying to get involved, staying sane just doesn’t seem like an option, does it?

But somehow we as “first-year” students have to find a way to muddle through it.

The key to making sure we do not lose our minds is finding a way to manage our time properly. You have a to find a balance that works for you.

I know that sounds like a cheesy line your parents might tell you to get you to do your work, but if you don’t know what’s going on in your day and how much time you have, then you can’t budget your time so that you can get everything done in a twenty-four hour period.

First tip is to take all your syllabi and write them all on one calendar.

Whether it is your agenda or student handbook you received at the beginning of the year. You may prefer to use a wall calendar that hangs in your room, or a “time-awareness” sheet from the ALEC. Just something concise so that they are together and you can know what all falls on one day.

And if you want to take that idea one step further then you can highlight each class a different color if color-coding is something that would help you stay on top of things.

We have also all heard the mantra that if you are in class for an hour you should spend two hours studying for that class to make sure you do well. But everyone knows how much time they need to study for a class, and you do need to study.

Especially when the information is still fresh in your mind and you can remember the details better than when trying to review all the notes the night before the test.

Get to know at least two people in every one of your classes and form a study group. Set off a certain time each week you all get together for an hour, study hard for an hour, then hang out and just relax together for awhile. Or if a study group is impossible then still get to know at least two people and you can all agree to hold each other accountable for study time and call each other to discuss what you all studied.

Don’t procrastinate on your papers or studying,.Procrastination is the main downfall in achieving time management goals. If you give yourself a schedule, stick with it. Procrastination only leads to future headaches.

Utilize all the spare minutes you can find.

Do you get to class ten minutes early? Bring your book for your next class and read for 10 minutes instead of standing there cleaning your fingernails. Instead of spending your lunch break on Facebook or Myspace, grab lunch, then spend a half hour at the library away from distractions.

When are you most productive? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Whatever you are, schedule yourself studying time during your peak hours of activity so that you are more likely to get it done. Also don’t forget to plan out time to eat.

Make sure you do not have to eat so quickly that you rush through your meal and get sick. Food is good; enjoy it.

Are you the type of person that will do anything for a friend? Run to the store, or go do something for them? Learn to say “No!” If other people can dump their work on your shoulders, they will. In group projects make sure you are not being unfairly used just because you won’t say no to more work.

There are things you have to do for yourself. You need to schedule enough hours for sleep. Preferably eight to 10, but being realistic six to eight is more likely. But you have to get sleep every night. You are no good to yourself or anyone else if you are tired and distracted.

Also take time for yourself. Not with your friends, not doing things, but time with yourself watching TV, reading a book that’s not for school, working out or something you enjoy doing for yourself.

And then schedule social time, because we as “first-years” have learned, your social life is definitely important here at SMU.

If this column wasn’t in-depth or helpful enough, try taking a walk down to the Learning Enhancement Center near the Ford Stadium and talking to the helpful staff there about more time management tips. They can help you plan a schedule that works for you, and isn’t hard to follow.

Rachel Carey is a first-year journalism major. If you have any ideas that you think could help her out, then e-mail her at [email protected].