Three Important Time Management Tips for First-Year Students

One of the most exciting times of the year for me is Welcome Week, Drexel University's new student orientation event. For the students attending, there are hundreds of events to choose from and the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and other students while getting acclimated to life at Drexel.

Always remember, even the best schedule or plan will fail to be effective if you don't use it.

Welcome week is so exciting to me because it signifies the beginning of college for our students, a time full of inquiry, discovery, new friendships, and personal and intellectual growth. In order to take full advantage of these experiences, it is important for students to make sure that they are working effectively and efficiently. Here are 3 tips to help first-year students better manage their time:

1. Practice self-care: If you are going to take advantage of all that college has to offer, you need to be of healthy body, mind, and spirit. A balanced diet and regular exercise will help you maintain the energy levels that you need to complete your tasks throughout the year. Meditating, listening to your favorite music, or going for a leisurely stroll are all good ways of centering yourself and making sure that the best version of you is present to accomplish your tasks.
2. Be organized: In today's world, there are more tools than ever to help us manage our time. Whether you prefer keeping track of your tasks via an electronic device or using an old school paper calendar with a pencil or pen, it is important to know what you need to do and when you need to do it. Always remember, even the best schedule or plan will fail to be effective if you don't use it. Find out what works best for you and make time management a daily task. Always be sure to look and plan at least three days ahead.
3. Find a balance: For most students, college will require a period of adjustment. In many cases, the steps that lead to a student's success in high school may not be enough at the collegiate level. From the very beginning of classes, make sure that you are working to figure out how much time you need to dedicate to reading course material, studying, attending labs, and anything else that you need to do in order to be successful in your classes. Once you have a handle on the academic side of things, seek out those clubs, organizations, and activities that are of interest to you. Getting involved on campus will expand your social network and provide you with new experiences that can be helpful in your development as a college student and future professional. It may take you a while to figure out how to balance all of the work and play opportunities that college presents you, but doing so will help set you on the path to an enjoyable and productive college experience.