University is a truly exciting time. Not only do you get the chance to learn more about the subject you’ve chosen to study, you also learn a lot about your own interests through the friends you make and the societies you join. There’s always something going on at university which is why it’s important to know how to manage your workload effectively.
Why is managing your workload important?
While balancing assignments alongside exams and extracurricular activities can be challenging, managing your workload is a crucial life skill which will help you keep your time at university stress-free and hold you in good stead for when you enter the world of work.
5 steps to managing your workload effectively
1. Write down everything you have to do (online or in a planner!)
The first step to organising your workload is writing everything down. Once everything you need to do is written down in front of you, you’re in a much better position to get cracking. Writing tasks down doesn’t need to be on paper. You can get a planner, write down your tasks in a notebook or have a virtual planner using an app or website. Having your tasks written down in whichever format suits you means you can move on to the next steps.
2. Work out a timeline
Once your tasks are laid out, it's time to tackle the timeline. Large tasks can seem overwhelming, so break down your assignments into smaller, manageable chunks and allocate specific timeframes for each. For example, instead of seeing "write a research paper" as one task, break it into stages like "research sources," "outline," "write introduction," and so on. This approach makes tasks seem less daunting and keeps you motivated.
Now you can prioritise your tasks based on deadlines, importance and complexity. Identify tasks that are time-sensitive and those that require more effort and start with these. This way, you can focus on completing high-priority tasks first and move on to the other tasks once these are done. Set deadlines for when you’re planning to finish each task. Be realistic about how much time each task takes and avoid overloading your schedule. Having a structured plan in place helps you visualise your commitments and prevents last-minute rushes.
3. Carve out time for downtime and fun
While your degree is, of course, very important and the primary reason you’re at university, it’s not the only thing to think about when creating your schedule. Another crucial thing to consider is your well-being, and you should be dedicating time to improving your well-being, whether physical or emotional, every week.
Remember that university is not just about studying; it's also an opportunity for learning more about yourself and what you enjoy. To do this, include time for relaxing, socialising and working on your hobbies in your plan. This way, the work you’re doing for your degree isn’t overwhelming and you have enjoyable activities to look forward to after a long day of work!
4. Avoid procrastination
Procrastination is a habit that even the most studious of us face from time to time. However, procrastinating doesn’t usually lead to being productive or using your time effectively (regardless of what we might tell ourselves!). It can make meeting deadlines and keeping on top of your work more difficult, especially as the academic year progresses. Putting a stop to your procrastination can take some trial and error until you find the techniques which suit you best, but here are some things you can do to avoid procrastination:
- Put your phone in ‘focus mode’. Many phones will have a ‘focus mode’ which pauses notifications from distracting apps helping you concentrate on your work.
- Plan time for cleaning. If your space looks and feels nice, you are more likely to focus on your work rather than worrying about the mess. Take the time to clean before working on a big assignment or studying for an exam to stop you from pausing your progress to do a quick tidy-up.
- Set a timer. If you know you only have an hour to complete an assignment and time is ticking away, you may focus more.
If you can identify when you procrastinate early in the academic year and find useful techniques to beat it, you’re in a great position for later in the year when things get busier.
5. Find a system that works for you
Effectively managing your workload ultimately comes from finding a system that works for you. You might work really well with lists, or maybe you prefer blocking out time in a diary. Whether you prefer apps, paper journals or a combination of the two, there is a system which works for you and it’s just a process of finding it. The key is to identify the system that enhances your efficiency and reduces the risk of tasks falling through the cracks. Here are some systems that you can try:
Time blocking
One effective technique for managing your workload is time blocking. Plan your day by allocating specific blocks of time to certain tasks. We recommend writing down your plan or having reminders to let you know when you should be moving on to the next task. During these dedicated periods, eliminate distractions and concentrate solely on the task at hand by pausing notifications on your phone and having your workspace ready to go. This empowers you to fully focus on your work for the whole time you’ve blocked out and means you complete all the tasks you need to (as long as you stick to your timings!). However, remember to be flexible - if you haven’t got your work to a good stopping point, consider giving yourself an extra 10 minutes before moving on to the next task.
Pomodoro technique
The Pomodoro Technique is another time management approach that can boost your productivity. This method involves working for a focused 25-minute period followed by a 5-minute break. This way, you have frequent breaks allowing you to be more focused when you are working, but you still get a significant amount of work completed preventing burnout and maintaining your mental freshness.
Do the hardest tasks first
Sometimes, the best course of action is to tackle the hardest task first. Whatever our list looks like, there is always at least one task that feels the most daunting. But starting with the worst and getting it done first can lead to a massive sense of accomplishment. After finishing that task, the others on your list often feel more manageable in comparison and make the rest of your day more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Managing your workload effectively at university is a skill that helps you beyond just your academic life. It’s a skill you’ll need after you graduate and move on to the working world and enables you to succeed quicker. By finding a system of time management which works well for you, your work becomes less daunting and you may find yourself procrastinating less. Remember that experimentation and adaptation are key – find the time management techniques that resonate with you and integrate them into your routine. Additionally, build in time for your well-being and your hobbies as these are vital to helping you have an enjoyable (and more productive) time at university.