TIME MANAGEMENT

Use the distributive studying technique

Study at shorter intervals over several days rather than cramming in one long study time.

Plan enough time to study

Ideally, you should allow two hours of study time for each hour in class.

Schedule review time

Set aside time for review either before or after class.  For a lecture course, set aside time after class to review and expand your notes.  For a course that is more discussion-based, the time just prior to class should be reserved for review.

Study at regular times and in regular places

Your body makes associations—find a place that is conducive to studying and use it consistently.  Some students like to study in the room where they will be tested.

Study as soon after class as possible

Check over lecture notes while they are still fresh in your mind.  Remember—one hour of study immediately after class is better than two hours of study a few days later.

Use odd hours for studying

Those scattered hours of time between classes are often wasted.  Using this time for research or review will result in free time later on.

Set a one-hour limit

After reading or studying for an hour, take a 10-minute break.  Make it an actual physical break. 

Study your hardest subject first

Begin a long study session with the subject that is the least stimulating or the most difficult for you, while your mind is most alert.

Study on the weekends

Some time should always be set aside on the weekends to work on special long-term papers or projects.  You can also use time on the weekend to catch up on regular reading assignments and to prepare for the week ahead.

Reward yourself

Set reasonable goals and reward yourself when they are accomplished.