Time Management in College: An Index Card
I was a pretty good student in high school. By the grace of God, I had figured out in middle school that I needed to go to college to have the life I wanted. However, I was blissfully ignorant of what would have prepared me for college. I was focused on finishing high school and getting into college--not past that.
It never occurred to me to visit colleges, to ask people what life in college was like, or how you get things done when you have all this new freedom.
So I was sorely unprepared for that whole experience. I am grateful I made some friends and we learned together. Sometimes it was easy to ask for help, but often I carried shame that I couldn’t figure it out. I was so embarrassed that I couldn’t get myself organized to study or even figure out how to take notes.
The Power of an Index Card
The first thing I credit with helping me is a simple index card with my class schedule on it.
In high school, Monday through Friday was (mostly) identical. In college, each day of the week had its own schedule, BUT was the same from week to week each semester. At registration, I was given a small 3x5 or maybe 4x6 index card to enter my schedule.
I think I eventually found a planner where I could enter this same information. Simply having an awareness of what I had going on each day helped. I was able to see when I could work for my campus job and when I could schedule study time and group work.
Digital tools are so convenient, but I would still encourage an analog view. There is something different when you see it printed on something you can touch. I am a big proponent of analog. Distractions can get to us easily because we carry a gateway to the world in our pockets.
How it helps me now
I still create a weekly view of my standing commitments. I evaluate it as part of my quarterly review as the demands on my time change. I use this "schedule" to determine when I have time available to do things that aren't time or date specific.
(Never mind that I am the one creating the blocks and assigning what happens in them.) The idea is the same. The standing commitments give me structure.
How it can help you!
We have a free printable available to help you—whether you’re a student, a stay-at-home mom, or a small business owner. When we have freedom for how we use any of our time, we need structure!
Download this free printable with instructions for creating your weekly schedule. You’ll have a 5-day and 7-day option. Reach out if you need help creating a structure for your week!
I'd love to help you design a weekly time-use template. Click the button below for a design consultation.
Helping you begin each day on purpose,
