Managing Your Time For Study Louise Livesey Academic Skills Adviser This workshop will: −help you investigate how you use your time −include plenty of handy tips for managing time well while at university −help you plan to manage your time more effectively.

Today’s plan 1.What is time management? 2.Barriers to being effective 3.Strategies 4.Dealing with procrastination 5.Breaking the day into 6

How did you score? Activity 1: Self-audit 1.What is time management?

Getting more done in less time Balance between work and “real life”! Making and meeting deadlines Prioritising activities Being organised Being realistic Planning Efficiency Being in control Dealing with issues, not hiding them Having time to do everything you want to do Being honest

1.What you need to do! 2.What you need to do it! 3.When it needs to be done by! Tip 1: Failure to plan is planning to fail 1.What is time management?

2.Barriers to Being Effective What are the things that prevent you from making good use of your time and getting things done? Activity 2: More barriers

2.Barriers to Being Effective Lack of time Friends Interruptions – –internet –phone –lectures –study time –work Sleep Illness Lack of a fixed routine Being distracted Not being organised Being in a panic Not interested SELF-SABOTAGE

2.Barriers to Being Effective Tip 2: Be assertive when dealing with interruptions.

How do you eat an elephant? 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Tip 3: the pizza principle - break down larger tasks. 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Bio-rhythms Are you a night-owl or an early bird? Do you prefer quiet study or background noise? −Music or silence? −Library or coffee shop? Where do you work best? Do you think best on the move? −Read before walking to uni, then think through on the way Home or “office”? 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Tip 4: Identify where and when you work best and maximise it 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Keep “To-Do” lists and review frequently Prioritise tasks Finish things - get jobs off your lists Don’t waste time on recriminations/ regrets Be realistic/ honest 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Tip 5: Get a ‘diary 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Exams dates Days and times essays are due Any presentation dates and times Significant life events – interviews, work times, etc. 3.Strategies to help you manage time When are your…

Tip 6 - Know your deadlines: know your module handbooks! 3.Strategies to help you manage time

Why procrastinate?Solution The task seems too big It’s unpleasant We think we’re not good at it We don’t know how to do it It has no clear deadline or it’s far off We are too tired or panicking Break tasks into small chunks Reward yourself/ Do the hard tasks first Do the easy tasks first Get help Set your own deadlines Get some sleep/ relax 4.Dealing with procrastination

1.Compulsories = external factors giving you no choice e.g. lectures, labs, deadlines etc. 2.Necessaries = must be done but you have some leeway as long as you fit them in e.g. meals, sleep, etc. 3.Protected time = things that are important to you and your well-being, e.g. gym. 4.Optionals = things you want to do to be effective but that are moveable, e.g. directed study. 6. Breaking the day into 6

Summary Set the right environment Get the timing right Stay focused Avoid postponing important tasks Avoid interruptions Use “time-bites” Compile a SMART and REALISTIC to-do list Identify urgent and important tasks Prioritise maintenance and progress tasks Review how you are doing

Sáez, F. (2010) GTD and the benefits of routine. Facile Things. [online] Available at: [Accessed ] All visuals are from Clip Art or previous booklets. Thanks to all Academic Skills Advice service colleagues past and present References

Academic Skills Advice Service Where are we? Chesham Building B0.23 What do we do? Support undergraduate students with their study skills by running clinics and workshops, having bookable appointment slots, and enabling students to drop-in for Instant Advice. Who are we? Michael and Helen specialise in Maths Support; Lucy and Russell advise students on study skills; and I (Louise) deliver the workshops When can you come for help? Everyday both face to face and on-line How do I get in touch? academic- or website skillsacademic-

Any questions?