Make sure that you prioritize your tasks according to their importance and due dates. For example, completing your homework for the following day would probably be at the top of your list, while working on a paper that is due a few days later would be next in line. Choose what classes you’ll work on during each day of the week. This helps you stay more focused within a particular field, and can help you retain information better. Use a day planner to set up a specific block of time daily for your schoolwork. This will help you build a habit and ensure you have plenty of time to get your work done. Schedule in some fun time as well to ensure that you get a break now and then. Consider when you do your best work as you schedule your schoolwork. For example, if you are not a morning person, then working on important tasks for classes might be better left for sometime in the afternoon or evening. Work when you’re the most energized. [2] X Expert Source Colleen Campbell, PhD, PCCCareer & Life Coach Expert Interview. 28 March 2019.
”If I’m on the bus, I’ll work on my math homework. ” ”If I finish dinner, I’ll start studying for my next exam. ” ”If it’s Friday night, I’ll start my homework for next Monday. ”
For example, you might be able to get 15 minutes of schoolwork in while waiting for a doctor’s appointment, or while riding on the bus.
Turn off your cellphone. Turn off the TV. Find a quiet, isolated spot. People can distract you as well. Let friends and family know that you will be working on your schoolwork. It is okay to say “no” to invitations when you have schoolwork to do. Take regular breaks to recharge. [5] X Expert Source Colleen Campbell, PhD, PCCCareer & Life Coach Expert Interview. 28 March 2019. Stay off the internet, unless you need it for research. If you’re having difficulty staying on the right websites, you can use apps such as StayFocusd to block the distracting parts of the internet. [6] X Research source
For instance, you could tell your teacher: ”I’ve spent several hours on my math homework and I feel I’m not getting as far as I should, can you help me work more efficiently?” If you’re having difficulty planning your work, you can ask: ”I’m having a hard time completing coursework for all my classes. Can you help me prioritize my work better?” For difficult exams, you can ask the following: ”Could you give me tips on getting through this material? I feel like studying for this exam is pretty daunting. ”
Learning or writing centers Study groups One-on-one tutoring Study halls Academic advisors
When you schedule time for studying or schoolwork, try to remain completely focused on what you’re doing. This will help you complete your work more efficiently and retain more information. When you’re spending time with friends and family, don’t start stressing about the test coming up next week or the homework you still have to do. Trust in your ability to schedule the things you need to do, and dedicate your attention to whatever you’re doing at the time.
Before you start trying to balance your social life with your academics, make sure the things that comprise your social life are activities you actually want to take part in. Focus on things that bring you enjoyment and a welcome distraction from your schoolwork. Try some new activities. For example, you could try signing up for a Zumba class, or take a watercolor painting class. You can try new activities with friends or on your own.
Talk to them about your goals, focusing on finding a middle ground between the involvement they expect of you and your academic schedule. If they seem more focused on getting what they want and not helping you achieve your goals, you might have to start asking yourself if they’re a real friend. Try out some new activities to meet people who share your interests and who may also make supportive friends.
If you want to stay in good health, you might want to join a sports team or a fitness-focused club. Clubs centered around artistic pursuits, such as sculpture or painting, can help you diversify your skillset while expressing yourself. Clubs focusing on math and the sciences can help you improve your skills in a way that’s directly useful for your schoolwork. Keep in mind that you can always start a club of your own if you can’t find a club that you want to join.
Guidance counselors are usually trained to help you set academic goals, study more efficiently as well as helping you resolve conflicts with family and friends. Some guidance counselors also provide therapy and counseling services that can prove helpful as you straighten out your social life. [10] X Research source
