Answering yes to a majority of these questions may mean you have issues with time management. The causes of time management /awareness issues may be many - from lack of practice, to brain based issues such as ADHD or depression.  High school and college students often become aware of time management difficulties for the first time because they are experiencing more demands on their time, both socially and academically.  Furthermore, parents and teachers are naturally and correctly lessening the external management they previously provided. The consistent organization and structure needed to manage a schedule successfully can be a daunting task for a student who has not had the need for, or the practice of managing a daily/weekly/monthly schedule.  Following are a few strategies for creating a more efficient and effective schedule for managing study time.  For more in depth assistance with time management, students are welcome to contact Lisa Crank in the Academic Services Center on campus.

Identify your best time of the day

Studying at your best time of the day, whether that is morning, afternoon, or early evening, will enable you to complete your assignments in less time. 

Study difficult or boring subjects first

Study your more challenging subjects first when you are less fatigued.  Save subjects you like to study for later, when you may be more tired but need to continue to study to keep up with your work. 

Use the same place to study every time

Studying in the same place each day is a good strategy for study and time management. Associating a particular activity with a particular location can allow you to focus on the task at hand more quickly.  Studying on your bed or in your bedroom is not advised because you probably associate your bed and bedroom with sleeping, not studying. 

Use the library

Libraries are good study places because we already associate reading/study with this environment. Other similar locations that are relatively free of distractions are a good alternative (book stores, for example).

Avoid distractions

Procrastination loves distractions. The more "time wasters" or distracters in the environment, the easier it is to procrastinate. Try to find ways to reduce the frequency with which distracters are interfering with study time and keep track of the biggest offenders.  Those distractions are the ones to tackle first.

Use waiting time

Time spent in traffic, or waiting in an office for an appointment are great times to study discrete pieces of information such as learning vocabulary for a foreign language class or memorizing a chemical reaction sequence.  Write this information on note cards and carry them with you so you can study your cards during your waiting time.