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Time Management Tips for Online Students

 

Not only has the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way the world operates, but it has also affected us all individually in one way or another. For those in school, the transition from in-person classes to online school may present its unique challenges. One of the biggest obstacles to online learning is time management. The tips below can help you manage your time effectively and be more productive.

 

Weekly and daily planning:

One of the easiest ways to ensure you're meeting deadlines and prioritizing tasks is to prepare a calendar that includes all your assignments, exam dates and deadlines. By planning ahead, you will be able to list your tasks from highest to lowest priority. Having a daily to-do list is also very helpful as it keeps you on track. Not to mention that crossing off chores as you get them done can be very satisfying!

 

Create blocks of study time: 

Divide your day into blocks and dedicate each block to a specific task or subject. Having consistent time frames for each subject helps you create a routine and commit to that task. Try your best to stick to your schedule but keep in mind that it's okay if you miss a scheduled block!  Here is an example of a weekly schedule and creating study blocks:

 

Take breaks!

Taking breaks in between study sessions will allow you to refresh your mind to study more efficiently. However, to make sure you're not taking a break longer than you should, set a timer to know when to get back to studying. The Pomodoro technique suggests a 5-minute break for every 25 minutes of studying. Another study found that the ideal work/study rhythm is 52 minutes of work followed by a 17-minute break. Find what works best for you and stick with it! You can watch this video to learn more about the Pomodoro technique and how to integrate it into your study routine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNBmG24djoY 

 

In addition, find refreshing activities that relax your mind, such as going for a walk, talking to a friend, cleaning up and making healthy snacks. Last but not least, try to avoid surfing social media or doing activities that drain your energy instead of refreshing your mind.

 

Limit social media use to minimize distractions:

Use longer passwords for your phone and tablet to make accessing them a little bit harder! Set limits for your applications on your device (if you use Apple products, you could quickly do this in Settings → Screen Time!). You can also use applications that help you focus, such as Forest and Flora. These apps allow you to grow a tree in exchange for not using your phone!