Time Management Tips!

The rigorous International Baccalaureate program at City makes time management essential for academic success. These are some of the best time management tips I’ve picked up over my years at City!

DO: Use a planner! It can be digital or physical, as long as it works well for you. Planners help me remember assignments that I end up forgetting to complete and meetings that I have to attend.

DON’T: Overschedule your day. Sure, you have a math competition and an essay to write, but playing video games with your friends won’t take too long, right? Wrong! Scheduling too many activities can lead to a stressful day with little to no free time.

DO: Give yourself a break! Going right from the Science Fair project to your English homework might save some time, but your mental health should be prioritized. Use those 5, 10, or 15 minutes to relax and take a break!

DON’T: Put things off until the last minute. The popular saying, “if it’s due tomorrow, you do tomorrow!” is funny, but a terrible mindset! Although it’s nice not to worry about something for a while, stress builds up over time. If you procrastinate, this stress accumulates in the night before your assignment is due.

DO: Set reasonable goals! Don’t say, “Today, I am going to finish my math homework, science report, history project, and read my entire English book!”. Although strong ambition is important, it can lead to disappointment when unrealistic goals aren’t achieved.

DON’T: Be afraid to ask for help! Teachers and friends are there to help and support you, so go to those office hours. What else can come out of office hours besides better understanding and (long-term) better grades?

I hope these tips helped you manage your time better. Now get back to your homework!