WMU Time Management Tips

The biggest stumbling block many new college students face is time management due to the drastic change in their daily routine. High school students typically have a fairly structured schedule. Students go to school for 6-7 hours; attend rehearsals or athletic practice after school, or perhaps a job; spend the evening studying or time with family and friends; get up the next day and do it all over again. Very ordered and controlled.

College life is very different and unstructured, offering a heady sense of freedom. Your student may only have courses on Monday/Wednesday/Friday – or on Tuesday/Thursday. Your student may have class at 8 a.m. and then a long break until a 2 p.m. class. Class attendance may or may not be required by the instructor. There are events and social activities taking place at all hours of the day and night. Consequently, it is easy for a student to get distracted and lose focus on academic priorities.

Some key steps to ensure success include:

• Remind your student that school is a full-time job. For each credit hour taken, students should plan on 2-3 hours of preparation time outside of the classroom.
• Your student should read and know each course syllabus – and become very familiar with the expectations and requirements of each course. The course syllabus includes all of the details, as well as instructor contact information and office hours.
• Encourage your student to use a planner – an essential tool in staying organized. Transfer key dates and deadlines from each syllabus to the planner. Plot out time in the classroom, time to study, work hours, volunteer hours, and also schedule in that oh-so-important free time. Balance is the key!
• Develop good study habits from the beginning. A college course isn’t like a high school course with daily worksheets and weekly chapters. College students need to be proactive and self motivated in keeping up with course readings and project deadlines, because the instructor may not necessarily offer reminders. After all, everything is listed on the syllabus. And remember, if your student needs help, we have many campus resources to help students learn how to study.