Planning Your Time and Getting Organised: Managing Your Time at University

1. Planning your time and getting organisedManaging your time at university This workshop was originally produced at the

2. Overview of the workshopThis workshop discusses the basic principles of effective time management and self-organisation at university, including: • Getting organised – setting up filing systems and work spaces • Making study timetables and termly work schedules • Getting better informed – what information do you need, and where can you find it?

3. Managing time at universityHow is it different? • You are expected to be independent – in your thinking, and your organisation. No-one will organise your study time for you, or remind you when things are late! • Lots of commitments which need to be balanced • New ideas and processes = more time needed • Maybe getting to grips with new living situations?

4. To start you thinking… What can help you to manage your time? Work in pairs: • Consider which you think works best when managing your time – diaries or wall planners? • Write down up to three things in favour of each and three things against • Swap sheet with another pair • Feedback responses to the whole group

5. Getting yourself organisedWhat do you need to think about? • A weekly timetable including study times • A simple filing system • A comfortable and appropriate place to work • A work schedule for the term • Where to find the information you need • Who can provide support if you need it

6. Making a study timetableWhat do you need to include? • Start with lectures, seminars, tutorials and lab times • Add regular commitments (work, meetings, clubs etc) • Book in some times for independent study – use your best times for concentrating where possible • Don’t book yourself up 24/7! Keep some times for not studying (e.g. socialising, chores, keeping fit etc)

7. An example timetable

8. Making sense of the mess!Setting up a filing system • Make it simple – if it’s complicated, you won’t use it • Aim to be able to file it quickly and find it quickly • Use box files or magazine holders to store documents, notes, small books etc – label clearly • Use document folders to transport what you need each day - empty and repack these regularly!

9. Finding a place to studyWhat do you need to think about? • Work at home or in library? Are there any other alternatives? • What will work best for you? (Where are you least likely to be distracted? Will you be able to take everything you need if you work away from home?) • Can you make enough space so you don’t have to keep moving things while you’re working? • Make yourself comfortable – but not too comfortable!

10. Planning a work scheduleHow to fit it all in • Use a grid – work back from your deadlines to when you think you need to start work • Make a separate list of tasks for each assignment or task, then fit the tasks into the time you have to do them • If your assignments are all due at the same time, set your own deadlines to stagger them • Remember: word counts and deadlines set the scope of the assignment - don’t try to do more than is expected!

11. An example term plan

12. Getting better informedWhat you need to know and how to find it • Independent study means working out what you need to know and where you will find it • What information do you need to study effectively and successfully? • How would you find that information? • Fill in the worksheet – complete any gaps after the workshop

13. Any questions?

14. For more on time management and other study practices... LearnHigher time management webpages For guides and exercises on all aspects of time management www.learnhigher.ac.uk/learningareas/timemanagement/home.htm The LearnHigher network brings together the expertise and experience of 16 universities to produce research-informed support for study practices. www.learnhigher.ac.uk