We know you’re likely to have other commitments alongside studying such as work, placements, internships, volunteering, looking after children or other caring responsibilities. Leaving assignments and studying to the last minute or staying up all night will lead to burnout and it isn’t sustainable in the long-term. Try our top five time management tips to help you find balance.

1. Prioritise your tasks

Make a to-do list and rank your tasks based on their importance and deadlines. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to ensure you stay on top of your responsibilities. For example, something that is due in two weeks that is worth 40% of your final module marks is higher priority than something that is due in three weeks and worth 10% of your final marks. Don’t forget to factor in how long something will take to complete when you’re prioritising tasks.

Bonus tip: Set your deadlines for assignments 24 hours in advance of when it really is and try to hit the date you set. This gives you a bit of extra time in case something unexpected comes up. 

2. Create a schedule

Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated study time, classes, extracurricular activities such as sport or time with friends, and other personal commitments. Stick to this schedule as much as possible to create a healthy routine and find some balance between your uni commitments and your personal life.

3. Avoid multitasking

Instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, focus on one task at a time. This allows you to concentrate better and complete tasks more efficiently, which will also improve the quality of your work.

4. Break tasks into smaller chunks

Large projects or assignments can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. For example: understand what you have been asked to do first, then search for information, read and take notes, draft your assessment, review and edit, then, finally, submit your work. This approach helps you stay motivated, track progress, and prevent procrastination.

5. Take regular breaks

Give yourself short breaks during study or work sessions. Stepping away from your desk and having a break that gets you away from screens can refresh your mind and help you be more productive when you return. 

Bonus tip: Try out the Pomodoro technique to use tips 3-5 altogether. The Pomodoro technique breaks your work into 25-minute intervals (called a ‘Pomodoro’), separated by short breaks. After four Pomodoros, you take a longer break. This technique helps improve your focus, reduces your procrastination and helps you prevent burnout by structuring work into manageable chunks and incorporating regular rest.

Three students sit at a desk in the library working on computers.

Need extra support?

If you’d like to further develop your time management or any other academic skills, check out resources from the Library that range from online modules to in person workshops, including our 20min eLearning on time management. You can also read our blog about resources and study hacks.

Balancing uni with your personal life can be challenging. We have wellbeing and counselling support available if you’d like to talk to someone about what you’re going through.