If you have a job or obligations at home, consider signing up for a part-time or online college program instead of a traditional full-time program. Talk to your academic advisor about creating a manageable schedule that fulfills your program’s requirements for each semester or quarter. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to drop classes that aren’t working out for you. You will probably get a chance to sign up for that class again at a later date.
Use a page from a pre-made weekly planner, or make your own. Create a grid on paper, or use a program like MS Word to create a table with columns for each day of the week and rows for each hour of the day. Fill in the appropriate blocks of time for each of your classes. This will help you keep track of your class schedule and visualize the time that you have available for doing other things during the week.
Study each day when you’re feeling your most productive. Some people enjoy studying first thing in the morning, while others prefer to set aside time after dinner. Pick a daily time that works best for you. [4] X Expert Source Jai FlickerAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
Schedule your fun and social time the same way you would your classes and other obligations. For example, you might set aside an hour each night for hanging out with your friends over dinner, with a clearly defined start and end time. This will help you maintain a structured and well-balanced routine. [6] X Research source
Don’t skip breakfast. Even if only have time to grab a little fruit and a bagel or piece of toast before heading to class, eating breakfast is vital for giving you the energy and focus you need to feel well and succeed in your classes. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods to help you stay energetic, keep your body strong, and help you feel energetic. Keep snacks with you. Healthy snacks can boost your energy and focus while you’re studying or even sitting in class. Try pretzels, nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or whole grain crackers.
Utilize daylight for study as much as possible so that you have evenings for relaxation and rest. Pulling an all-nighter before a big test can ultimately be counterproductive. Try to get into a regular sleep routine. Set aside a little time before going to bed each night to unwind away from your computer or phone.
Well-lit environments work well for study. Having enough light can help you concentrate and feel more energetic. [8] X Research source Listening to music can help you study, but make sure you select music that helps you concentrate instead of creating a distraction. Try music with nature sounds or instrumental classical music. [9] X Research source Some people benefit from studying in groups, while others find it distracting. Experiment with meeting with classmates for study sessions and see if it works well for you.
Counseling and psychiatric services. Time and stress management workshops. Informal classes on yoga, meditation, or other activities designed to reduce stress and help you feel more focused.
