As the new semester begins, it is important to get on the right track by making effective use of time and learning how to prioritize. Planning ahead can prevent mid-semester breakdowns and reduce stress throughout the semester.
Kim Munro, Wellness Education Center coordinator, suggests posting a weekly schedule with all required duties and goals in a visible place. Daily review helps keep individuals on task and provides an overview for open time to study and relax.
She said students should not restrict studying to certain blocks of time because effective learning and retention can take place in small chunks. Spreading out study time also reduces stress.
Munro said students should find a schedule to fit their individual needs and courses. Many students get in a rut mid-semester because they misjudge class difficulty or time requirements. She also said it is helpful to adjust schedules as demands change.
Another typical problem students encounter is scheduling more activities than they have time for. As the semester progresses, many classes get harder and more demanding, causing many students to have to shift priorities, she said.
Munro also recommends obtaining a realistic view of where time is spent, especially for relaxing activities such as watching TV. It may be helpful to budget time for one’s favorite shows, instead of sitting in front of the TV for several hours.
However, it is important to leave room for the unexpected, because a full schedule can easily be thrown completely off balance. Also, many people tend to underestimate the length of time many activities require, she said.
Students should record test and project dates as soon as they get their syllabi, said Pam Ball, a Center for Academic Success study strategies consultant.
She recommends utilizing a semester planner, which shows all the days in the semester for the overall picture at a glance and a weekly calendar, which can be printed off the Center for Academic Success Web site at www.cas.lsu.edu.
The site contains tips on studying and handling stress in addition to online workshops and references to study tools.
Ball said the secret to successful retention is wanting to learn the material, not for the test but for general knowledge. She also advises starting a study cycle of quickly previewing material before class, then reviewing notes within 24 hours after class.
“Students find they get on a rhythm by setting aside an hour in a regular time and place,” Ball said.
Students can set an appointment to discuss time management solutions with a counselor at 578-2872.
Alex Patrick, an architecture freshman, said he hopes his preparations will help him get through the semester. Although a little nervous, he feels he has eliminated many obstacles that might hinder his academics.
“I got all my finances taken care of before I started school, so I am not working this semester,” he said. “I plan to study at least 30 minutes every day and not overload my schedule.”
Students interested in a free personal time management consultation can contact the Wellness Education Department at 578-5718.