As an incoming MSU freshman, my vision of college life was slightly skewed. I thought I was going to have free time on my hands and that school would only last as long as 3 hours every other day. I was looking forward to taking billiards for college credit and sleeping for at least 13 hours every day. Unfortunately, I suffered from a rude awakening. College life is packed with activity. Often, it is hard to keep up with the fast pace. Students face the task of balancing academics, work, and extra-curricular activities. In order to survive busy day-to-day routines, developing effective time management skills is critical. 

            Organization is the first step to effective time management. Your personal preferences are the most important things to consider when developing a method of organization. Pick a method that works the best for your own habits. Maybe writing Post-It notes and putting them on your computer screen helps you to remember important dates. If you need a more structured schedule, get a day planner and highlight important events or invest in computer software such as Microsoft Outlook. After you pick a method that is successful, stick to it. Make organization a part of your routine. Organization is a skill that will benefit you in all of your future plans. 

            Prioritizing events is the second step in successful time management. Deciding what to do and when is the most difficult part of time management. Let's face it, no one likes to say no to others. It's hard to tell someone that you are just too busy to participate. Beware; students can often spread themselves to thin by being involved in too many activities. On the other hand, having too much free time may cause a person to neglect important events. In order to juggle a schedule, make a list of what needs to be accomplished every week, and place them in order of importance. If you are a person that works best when busy, keep active. If you are feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, drop an activity. School is the reason all of us are here at MSU. Getting an education is the number one priority. 

            Time management is a skill developed individually and differently by every person. Keep organized and prioritized your schedule and then pick a system use it consistently. Effective time management will help you to become a successful student at MSU as well as in the future.   

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 11/01/06