Prioritization is extremely important part of managing time. It means putting the tasks on the to-do list in order of importance. If there are a lot of tasks, the challenges of time management often arise from not knowing where to start. All tasks may seem equally important at the same time, making it difficult to take action. This often increases stress as well. 

So, set the tasks in order of importance: 

• Consider the urgency of the tasks. Which task needs to be completed first? 
• Which tasks require time? What do you need (and want) to focus on specifically? 
• Which tasks can be done quickly and don’t require as many resources? 
• Which tasks can you safely leave for later? 
• Are all tasks absolutely necessary to complete? 

You can use Eisenhower’s matrix as a tool for prioritization, for example.

In planning your study time, a calendar is a student’s best friend! Consider what kind of calendar suits you best: do you prefer a paper calendar or is a mobile electronic calendar better? Grid notebooks or schedule templates also work very well for scheduling! 

A calendar: 

• Helps with time management and organization 
• Separates studying from free time 
• Increases a sense of control and reduces stress by allowing you to anticipate things 
• Helps grasp the entirety of your studies 
• Serves as a memory aid, as all things can be found in one place 

Active planning of study time is important. When you establish a functional routine for it, you also ensure that tasks progress as planned and maintain a sense of control.

Remember that the purpose of time management planning is to make your study routine easier.  By planning how you use your time, you “work smarter, not harder”. So, do not create a calendar with overly tight schedules for yourself. 

Sometimes our plans doesn’t go as one would hope. Many university students struggle with the challenges of getting started, which makes it difficult to stay on schedule and progress in their studies. Procrastination (postponing tasks) is a fairly typical phenomenon in studying. Procrastination is not laziness, but it can be recognized by repeatedly delaying the same task. Procrastination causes anxiety and raises our stress levels. 

In studies, we often postpone things that seem too big, difficult, or hard to grasp. These can include preparing for exams or completing essay assignments. Sometimes even small things, like sending an email to a teacher, can seem incredibly daunting and difficult! It is important to recognize procrastination so that you can find effective solutions to overcome the challenges of getting started. 

Try these ways to overcome the challenges of getting started: 

• Break the task into smaller pieces: they are easier to tackle. Achievable goals will motivate you to start as well!
• Focus on one thing at a time. (Practice this yourself! It takes time, but it’s worth it!) 
• Try a Study Retreat. Starting is often easier when it is done together! 
• Take breaks during your work. Start with ten minutes and take a break.  
• Remind yourself of motivators! What motivates you in your studies? Why do you study? What benefits do you gain from completing the task? 
• Change your study environment. The environment has a significant impact on your work, so try studying on campus or in a café instead of at your desk at home.
• Ask for help if needed. It’s not worth struggling alone for too long. Ask a friend to study with you or, if necessary, contact University Social Worker. Let’s find solutions together!