Latinos In College Phorum :: Time Management in College

Amber George Wrote:
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> Hi Eli,
> 
> I'm sorry you had to miss the seminar. College can
> be a very busy and stressful time, and it can be
> hard to do everything you want to do. Here are
> some tips that can help with managing all your
> time, activities and responsibilities. 
> 
> 1. If you don't already have one, get a
> calendar/day planner. Whether it's the pen and
> paper variety, electronic PDA, or a calendar on
> your computer (iCal, Outlook), this will
> definitely help keep you organized. Write down
> class times, meetings, your work schedule,
> assignments due, and other important events.
> Always knowing what is ahead keeps your stress
> down and helps you stay organized. 
> 
> 2. Concentrate on one or two extracurricular
> activities only. Spreading yourself too thin leads
> to stress and does not allow you to devote as much
> time or effort to these clubs as you could. Find
> one (or maybe two clubs) you really enjoy, are
> passionate about, and/or will help you after you
> graduate and focus on those. Also, by focusing on
> one or two activities only, you will have more
> time for yourself and/or other spur of the moment
> activities that may pop up.
> 
> 3. Eat and sleep well. You will perform better
> when you eat regularly and choose healthier foods.
> I know this can be hard in college, so keep a
> stash of healthy snacks like nuts, whole grain
> crackers, and fiber-rich granola bars. This will
> help you stay alert. Getting on a regular sleep
> schedule will help with stress and focus as well.
> It sounds simple, but it will really help! 
> 
> 4. Remember that academics come first! You are in
> college to get an education and that is your
> number one priority. Once you get used to college
> life, you can add more extracurricular activities,
> nights out with friends, or more hours at your
> part-time job. A little investment now will pay
> off big time! 
> 
> 5. If you need some extra help with classes or
> studying, get a tutor. Schools usually offer
> tutors to students for free or very low cost. When
> you're crunched for time or having difficulty in a
> certain subject, a tutor is a great resource. They
> can help you maximize your study time and give you
> tips for studying/learning. You can also go to
> your professors and ask for help from them. Don't
> be shy! :) 
> 
> 6. If you are still crunched for time, try to
> combine studies and social activities from time to
> time. When I was in college, my friends and I
> would get together for dinner and study time. We
> would make dinner together or order in and then
> study together, quiz each other, use flashcards,
> do group projects, etc. It was still studying and
> hard work, but it was nice to study with friends
> and help each other.
> 
> 7. It is also important that you make time for
> yourself -- relaxing, recuperating, resting so you
> have the energy necessary for everything else. I
> would go back to your schedule and see if there is
> a way for you to arrange activities so that you
> are able to make time for yourself or spending
> time with your friends/family. Try to keep at
> least one afternoon or night free so that you can
> relax or hang out with your friends/family. If
> this is impossible, you may want to ask yourself
> if you are taking on too much. You may be
> overwhelming yourself with too many activities.
> While there can be a lot of pressure, it is
> important to keep a balance. I would make a list
> of all the activities you are part of. Reflect on
> them and think about whether you are taking on too
> many activities. If your list is too long, you may
> want to consider shortening it so that you can
> have a few hours out of the week for you.
> 
> Best,
> Amber George
> LIC Advisor