Effective time management whilst working on tasks is an equally crucial skill, particularly at university, as it impacts both academic performance and personal well-being. As a student, you will face numerous demands on your time, from attending lectures and completing assignments, to maintaining a social life and managing personal responsibilities. The ability to allocate time efficiently is essential for ensuring that you meet targets without feeling overwhelmed (Williams and Reid, 2011). Yet, procrastination rates are high amongst university students. In one study, 86% of university students acknowledged that they procrastinate (He, 2017), which highlights that this is a widespread phenomenon. By acknowledging the difficulties of time management at university, or indeed the likelihood of procrastinating, you will be able to implement effective strategies that will help to keep you on track. Possessing good time-management skills means that you are more likely to approach your studies in a structured and organised manner, which can result in higher-quality work and reduced stress levels.
Time management also plays a key role in building long-term success. The habits you develop now, will carry over into your professional life, where effective time management is highly valued by employers (Cottrell, 2021). By learning to manage your time wisely, you are preparing yourself for the future, improving your ability to handle responsibility, and demonstrating your commitment to your studies and career aspirations.
Use the suggestions within this next section to support your time-management whilst working on academic tasks. You may need to try different techniques to see what works best for you. You may also find that certain strategies like turning your phone off when studying, having silence, or even listening to some music may assist your focus.
References
Cottrell, S. (2021) Skills for Success: Personal Development and Employability. 4th edn. London: Macmillan Education UK.
He, S. (2017) ‘A multivariate investigation into academic procrastination of university students’, Open Journal of Social Science, 5(10), pp. 12-24.
Williams, K. and Reid, M. (2011) Time Management. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.