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1. Use an agenda regularly to keep track of assignments and appointments.
2. Write a “to do” list to make sure you are staying focused on the tasks most important for that day/week.
3. Take time to plan in order to avoid last minute stress. Allow time for unanticipated situations that may arise and require your attention.
4. Learn to say NO.
5. Ask yourself what things do NOT need to be done. Then don't do them. This helps you to keep your priorities in check.
6. Give yourself response deadlines, i.e. handling paperwork within 48 hours of receiving it, replying to emails within 24 hours, etc.
7. Relocate yourself to a lounge, the library, or a quite classroom so that you are not tempted to be distracted by your normal surroundings.
8. Concentrate on one thing at a time. Decide what you are going to do right now and do only that.
9. Give yourself breaks during work periods so you don't become overwhelmed and lose motivation.
10. Listen well. Make certain you understand the directions. There is nothing more time wasting than doing something wrong so that it has to be done again.
11. Develop procedures for routine matters. If you're a secretary of a group, plan to write the minutes the morning following the meeting and then do it. If you have bills coming in throughout the month, decide that you'll pay them as they come in or that you will pay them on the first of each month, and then leave them alone in between times.
12. If you need to meet regularly with someone, schedule to meet with him or her at a consistent appointment time so you all can get into a routine.
13. Make the most of transition times. While walking home from class, plan how you will spend the afternoon or evening. Think over the paper you have to write and narrow down the topic.
14. Use the shorter amounts of time between classes to go to the library or a nearby study lounge rather than going back to your room. This will allow you to stay academically focused throughout the day so that you will have free time in the evenings to enjoy extracurricular activities and relaxation.
15. Don't be afraid to turn off your regular forms of communication as needed, such as your cell phone, pager, e-mail, or instant messenger. Whether you realize it or not, the amount of time you spend on these during the day adds up. They may keep you from being entirely attentive to your work, so learn to limit yourself.
16. If someone stops by your room and you do not want to spend a lot of time, stand up rather than having the other person sit down. You will then be able to carry on the necessary conversation and move on.
17. Control interruptions. If you are very busy or being studious, close your door and post a “knock only if you are having a life threatening emergency” sign. Then encourage all others to leave a note, and you will get back to them soon.
18. Enjoy what you are doing right now. If you have decided to go out with friends, don't spend your time worrying about the studying you could be doing. Enjoy being with your friends.
19. Build your will power. Time management is self-control.
20. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Remember that successful people have made more mistakes than average. To be successful means you have to take some risks.
Adapted from: “ 25 Time Management Tips” by Gayle Webb http://cub.wsu.edu/lead/library/resources/Time%20Management/25%20Time%20Management%20Tips.pdf By Kate Luckadoo, SLC 2005-2006.
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