Time Management and Focus

[Algophiliac]

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So this is my freshman year at college, and I'm having some issues with time management and staying focused. My schedule is strewn across all hours of the day, so I'm rarely ever back in my dorm room until it's really late at night! This means I have small hour (or two) blocks to get my homework done unless I'm in for a long night. Also, it seems like for EVERY meal, someone wants to eat with me, which obviously turns into an hour or more of pure conversation with said people afterwards. So of course, between a crazy schedule and a nutty social life, I'm finding it hard to stay on task and focused when I actually DO have time to study! Any hints or tips that worked for you?

Also, did you manage to fit in a morning workout during college, because I'm struggling to get up early enough nowadays? In terms of energy, what do you eat to keep nutritionally balanced 24/7? I don't want to be unhealthy during college! :O

 

[brahms11]

I suggest planning what homework you need to do each day before you pack your backpack and bringing what you need with you. Go to a library or a quiet space between classes and study. Even if you only have 10 minutes, go over notes for a previous or your next class.

Meals are tough. Maybe try arriving at the dining 45 or 30 minutes before your next class or commitmnt (depending on your schedule) so staying and talking too much won't be an option?

I know people who workout in the mornings, but they are kind of crazy. Find a time that works for you. What you eat depends on your metabolism and how much you work out, but the freshman 15 is no myth and was closer to 20 for me before I worked it back down.

Don't take the time management to an extreme though, a really important aspect of freshman year is meeting new friends and exploring new interests (especially those outside of the classroom/premed realm).

 

[Algophiliac]

Thanks brahms11! My only problem is studying for 10 minutes usually isn't extremely productive, as I'm one of those "in the zone" people...and it takes about an hour of study to get there, but oh well.

Planning everything out sounds great! I just wish my friends could PLAN the meals we eat together, so everything won't be as chaotic. Arriving between classes or commitments is probably my best option--great idea.

Unfortunately my best (if not only) time to work out has to be in the morning, because some of my classes run very late...and I'm exhausted by then. In terms of food, the dorm food here sucks and is pretty much the same thing every day. 🙁 Plus it's ridiculously expensive, and our meal plan is a meager sum of "money" to spend on said crappy food. So basically I only get to eat dinner at the caf every day, if I don't have class then, which means I have no clue how to stay healthy for breakfast and lunch, and maybe even some snacks. The grocery store is a couple of hours round trip by bus!

Is no one else having these issues? Maybe I'm just atypical, lol.

 

[lstone13]

So this is my freshman year at college, and I'm having some issues with time management and staying focused. My schedule is strewn across all hours of the day, so I'm rarely ever back in my dorm room until it's really late at night! This means I have small hour (or two) blocks to get my homework done unless I'm in for a long night. Also, it seems like for EVERY meal, someone wants to eat with me, which obviously turns into an hour or more of pure conversation with said people afterwards. So of course, between a crazy schedule and a nutty social life, I'm finding it hard to stay on task and focused when I actually DO have time to study! Any hints or tips that worked for you?

Also, did you manage to fit in a morning workout during college, because I'm struggling to get up early enough nowadays? In terms of energy, what do you eat to keep nutritionally balanced 24/7? I don't want to be unhealthy during college! :O

Time management? To-do lists, calendars, and appointments. Literally make an appointment with yourself during the day, put it on your calendar, and accomplish your to-do list. That's my best advice for time management.

Morning workouts? Heck no. I work out at night 🙂.

Energy? Coffee and a deep caffeine addiction. Good energy foods: apples (other fruit too, but I've heard apples have caffeine in them), nutrition bars, nuts.

Healthy lifestyle? Get enough sleep, seriously. And stay away from sick classmates/friends.

 

[MossPoh]

Its college. Those are all normal college things. You'll figure out what works for you. I could never do strict scheduling. I looked at my schedule and figured out when I could jam things in. If I was hungry then I went to eat. Learn to cut conversations off and say you have other stuff to do. I know you don't think so now, but your first year of college is so ridiculously easy that you can mess up a bit and still be fine.