The real world.
Students have been preparing for it since kindergarten. As college students, learning time management skills can be helpful preparation for this world, according to Barbie Windom, director of the Undergraduate Tutorial Center.
When students manage their time, she said, they can avoid stress and work toward success.
“Time management is organizing your time to be able to handle your commitments,” Windom said.
Windom said this concept may be new to entering college students.
“Many students didn’t have to worry about it before college,” she said. “In college it’s class; in the real world it’s work.”
Envisioning one’s tasks can be a good start, she said. A calendar can be instrumental in one’s steps toward achieving self-organization.
“Put on your calendar when you have class, tests, commitments and activities, and what’s important to you, such as going home for the weekend,” she said.
Meryl Golder, an undeclared freshman, said she does just that to avoid procrastination.
“I keep a calendar of everything that is going on,” she said. “I always try to work ahead to make sure no deadlines sneak up on me, and that I am always fully prepared.”
How to manage money
1. Create a budget. “It is important to develop a budget. Developing a budget now is much easier than later in life,” Melissa Hart, a personal finance instructor, said. 2. Learn about credit card dangers. “Students may not be versed in the dangers of credit cards while in school, but these can escalate after graduation. Beware of teaser rates, late fees, and excessive penalties,” Hart said, 3. Learn about banking and balancing your checkbook. 4. Understand your financial aid responsibilities. “Make sure you know where your paperwork is located,” she said. a. Know when your repayment date begins and budget for it. b. Change your address with your lender when you move. c. Know what to do if you have trouble paying. Contact the lender immediately. 5. Build up a savings reserve — an emergency fund — for unexpected expenses. “Something unexpected will probably happen someday,” Hart said. “It’s better to be prepared.”
source: Melissa Hart CPA, Personal Finance instructor
