While time management is stressed as essential through college, many students have not been able to master this daunting task. You may be asking yourself “where do I even begin,” but the answer may not be as far away as it seems.
Believe it or not, while young, the brain often forgets important information such as meetings, errands and assignments if they are not written down. For many students, the best way to manage time and stay organized to ease their minds is using a planner to make note of such responsibilities.
A planner can be a resource for many things; some may plan out their entire day in their planner and some may only write different events or assignments that come up on a day-to-day basis, keeping track of the different places they may need to go. Color coded, organized notes may help one person, while another may choose to have what seems like a jumbled list of tasks. Planners can be a lifesaver if used in the way that best fits the individual.
While planners may not be everyone’s cup of tea, many people do carry a smartphone, yet do not choose to use it to its fullest potential. If you are a forgetful person, a helpful kind of artificial intelligence and planner all-in-one sits in your very pocket, often known as Siri.
Using it can be as simple as taking out your phone and saying something like, “remind me at 12:30 on Sunday that I am grabbing lunch with a friend at 1:30.” BAM, you have a calendar reminding you of your plans on a device that will always be at your side. As a generation so reliant on and comfortable with phones, this useful tool helps keep you on track while interacting with your favorite piece of technology.
Making sure you are keeping up with the information you have is often a challenge and for a lot of people, using an app or planner is awesome…when they remember to check it. If this is something that resonates with you, don’t worry! On campus, there are beneficial resources everywhere you turn.
The Student Success Coaches are a resource that many individuals do not take advantage of but definitely should. These knowledgeable people can help you with anything from time management to accountability and everything in between, so do not hesitate to visit them in Patterson Hall. You can also turn to your friends and classmates around you for support. We are all here to succeed!
Time management might seem like an incredibly daunting task, but habit is key. You can start by making small adjustments to existing habits. If checking your phone when you wake up is a habit you have, put your phone on top of your planner to check both to prepare for your day.
It is believed that most successful people carry a planner, so maybe after getting into the habit, you will be the next successful person that comes to mind. Best of luck on your planner endeavors, Lambda believes in you!
