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We heard that you had got admission into your dream university! Well, many congratulations, but what’s next? Are you ready?
Since we are on the topic, now that your studies are just about to start, you might end up feeling a tad pressurised if you don’t start working on your time management skills. Yes, you read that right!
A lot of students tend to underestimate this skill as they believe that they would eventually get the hang of it. But, when the time comes, it all just adds up to a full-fledged panic attack. And, we are sure you don’t want that, do you?
Well, we have got you covered! Here are a few tips and tricks that can help you get on track as and when you start your studies. The key to success here would be consistency and sheer determination. So, let’s get started, shall we?
Start from the Beginning/Create a Study Habit
What your mother said was true, if you started as soon as your semester started then you can understand and learn the concept that your professor was teaching more easily as they will be fresh in your memory. The process of studying will not be as hectic as when you just started before your exams.
Give at least an hour or two to your study every day without fail and you will see the difference in your stress level when the time for exams is near.
Be realistic about the time
If you think you have all the time in the world, then sorry to burst your bubble, but it is not true. Typically, a student only has around 8 to 10 hours to tackle everything from working to studying to socializing or anything else you need to do.
When you first start university, you have the drive to do everything, to be involved in everything that is available. You sign up for societies and sports clubs, but realistically speaking you will not have enough time to do all that and if you are a self-funded international student, then you will have even less time to do these things because you have to earn as well as study at the same time. Look, I am not saying that you won’t have time to enjoy things as a master’s student (you will) but taking on too much at a time without knowing if you can commit to it properly or not will end up causing you unnecessary stress and anxiety. So, it is advisable to research all that an institution has to offer before arriving, speak to existing students and alumni, and make your selections based on their advice.
Create a TO DO list
It might sound basic, but being a master’s student is far more demanding than being an undergraduate student. Create a weekly plan. Prioritise and check off tasks as you go. A good place to start is to get an overview of the deadlines for the next weeks or semesters.
Because you may have several tasks due at the same time, so you may need to set mini-deadlines for yourself. Divide your work into urgent and non-urgent, major and minor tasks. What this will do is make sure that you stay in control of your workload and reduce stress. Also, review your list regularly. This can help you recognize whether you need to make any changes in order to help you to complete any university tasks or if you need time to spend with friends and family.
Best Time Management Applications for Students
- Evernote
- Focus Booster
- Remember the Milk
- 30/30
- Google Calendar
- myHomework Student Planner
Avoid procrastination
One of the best ways to avoid procrastination is to focus on the different topics you have been studying. Where were you the most focused, and where were you the most distracted? And if there is anything that you can do to make your studies more enjoyable.
You can try studying in groups to avoid procrastination and increase motivation. But remember that what works for others might not work for you. So try it once if it doesn’t provide the results you want, don’t force it. Also, don’t think that you will have time to study tomorrow because you will surely have something that is more important to do or study at that time. I have made that mistake and bore the consequences for it as well, so learn from my mistake and don’t leave even a single topic or an assignment to do for the next day or at the last moment.
Build a Strong Peer Network
If you are feeling stressed about your coursework, writing essays or dissertations, then there are high chances that your classmates are as well. Engage in the orientation activities and make friends, this will help you build a strong support network. Discussing topics with your friends can help you achieve clarity on topics that were a little hard to understand.
Through this network, you can also have emotional support which can help you feel relaxed. Relaxation and mindfulness are also becoming increasingly popular coping mechanisms for students.
Do something clear your head between study session
Stay active! Join one of the sports clubs or gyms and it will be a great way to destress and give you energy. Exercise has been proved to be an effective stress reliever. Even a bike ride can help you relax and will be highly beneficial for the mind and body.
If you are not much of a working out type of person like I am, then it is better to just take a walk to clear your head or watch an episode of a series. Do anything that will make you feel relaxed.
Say no to Late Night Studies
Unless absolutely necessary, don’t stay up late at night to study. It disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle, which can affect the person’s mental functioning energy level and will leave you disorientated the next day.
Being sleep-deprived will only make the matter worse for you. It reduces attention span and concentration level, and it also slows reaction time and impairs constructive thinking. Not saying that staying up once in a while will cause this, but regularly sacrificing your sleep will result in these outcomes. Keep your sleep pattern normal and it will help you be more productive and energetic the next day.
And that’s it, folks! I am sure if you manage to go according to this list, you would definitely be one of the best students in your class. Just focus on your goal and stay motivated at all times, and surely you will successfully complete your master’s without stressing about it a lot.