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Academic Success

Essential Study Skills: Time Management

Time Management

Every program at Algonquin involves completing a long list of challenging tasks. Keeping track of those tasks, and their deadlines, is a common source of stress for college students. Many struggling students don’t plan to fail; they simply fail to plan. This unit can help you learn to manage your time more effectively.

Top Tips

  • Use your time wisely.There are 168 hours in a week. Use idle time to complete smaller tasks. This will free up time for the big things.
  • Devote more time to important assignments.Be prepared to invest an average of 2 solid hours for every 5% an assignment is worth.
  • Prioritize your assignments.Be prepared to invest an average of 2 solid hours for every 5% an assignment is worth.
  • Start planning your time early in the semester.The earlier you start managing your time, the easier it is. Get into good habits early so you don’t fall behind.
  • Create a semester plan.Write down your deadlines for the semester so that they don’t catch you by surprise.
  • Plan out your week.Create a weekly schedule and use it every day.
  • Give yourself enough time.Budget at least 1 hour of homework for every hour of class time.
  • Prioritize your tasks. Make a task like and do the most important and urgent things first.
  • Develop an assignment tracker. Plan how you will complete your assignments by breaking big tasks down into manageable steps.
  • Start early.Don’t get sucked into the procrastination trap. Give yourself enough time to complete your assignment properly.
  • Plan some down time. Make sure to include time for fun or relaxing into your schedule every day.