Time Management Tips for College Students
Online, self-directed courses can offer you the flexibility to earn college credits outside the walls of a classroom. Just remember: You will need to be disciplined and organized to stay on top of your schoolwork in the midst of life’s busyness.
If you aren’t feeling too confident about your time management skills, Portage Learning’s Student Success team has you covered. Check out their tips for staying on track while life swirls around you.
Stay Consistent
Working on your course only when you feel motivated can lead to procrastination, so avoid making your studies a to-do list item. Instead, turn study time into a habit rather than a chore. By dedicating a specific time in your day or week to online learning, you’ll put yourself in a focused state and set yourself up for continued success.
Eliminate Distractions
Where you choose to work can impact your productivity greatly. Find a space away from other people, your phone, or other potential distractions. This keeps your mind on the task at hand so that when you do spend time with friends, family, or entertainment, you won’t stress over unfinished work. Our Student Success team also suggests using website blockers or apps that limit distractions and enhance focus.
Know What Works for You
Understanding yourself and your organizational preferences will play a major role in how well you manage your time. Whether it’s a reminder app, a planner, or a list on pen and paper, organizing can help you visualize what needs to be accomplished in a given timeframe. It’s important to find a system that helps you formulate a game plan without overwhelming or confusing you.
Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize
Our Student Success team suggests you focus on completing high-priority assignments and studying for exams first, then moving on to less urgent tasks. Prioritizing simply comes down to emphasizing what’s most important and delaying gratification until your work is completed. We won't tell you this is easy. But it will be quite satisfying when you have your course transcript in hand.
Factor in the Unpredictable
Time management should account for the unpredictability of life. Giving yourself some leeway to reschedule or hold off on a task will significantly reduce stress if anything comes up. Creating some margin in your schedule also allows you to spend time with family or on hobbies, which can provide a well-deserved break for you.
Accountability Matters
If you struggle to complete your work on time, having someone check in on you can be a great motivator. Accountability partners can be family, friends, or anyone you trust and see regularly. Students who take courses through Portage Learning have access to our Student Success team every day of the week, at any time of year. They’ll not only share practical tips to help you thrive in your coursework, but they also will be a voice of encouragement when you need it most.
Don’t go Beyond your Limits
Consistent productivity requires knowing when to stop. After a certain amount of studying, the quality of your work will diminish, and you’ll probably feel burned out. Online courses are not meant to be exhausting or demoralizing, so make sure you walk away from your laptop periodically. Our Student Success team helps you break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set realistic goals for your assignments and study sessions. Doing so will help you return to your work refreshed and confident in your abilities.
Reward Yourself
Benchmarks and rewards are great motivators as you work through your online course. Treat yourself to a snack or something special between accomplishments. Don’t forget to celebrate each milestone you surpass — you’ve earned it!
Don’t Wait to Ask for Help
Scrambling to catch up on work feels awful. But putting off asking for help will just make your problem worse. So if you’re feeling stuck in your course, please don’t hesitate to reach out. The Student Success team at Portage Learning says it’s always best to seek out support and collaboration — at the earliest possible stage of your journey. By connecting with others, you can enhance your learning experience, gain new perspectives, and stay motivated. Portage Learning professors are just a message away and are available to help with any questions you may have.
Interested in taking online courses?
Portage Learning offers a variety of online, self-directed courses accessible to you anytime, anywhere. Our courses transfer credits to over 2,000 schools across the nation. After registering for a Portage course, you have six months to finish your first graded assignment, and then one year to complete the course after starting. With effective time management, some courses can be finished in as little as six to eight weeks. Explore our courses today to see what’s right for you!
