With all the different opportunities and new experiences available in college, Time Management is an incredibly important ability to develop. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you:

Planning

In order to keep all of these events and course work straight, plan out what you want to attend and get done. It is important to use a format that you will remember to look at. Planners are a valuable tool to organize everything that needs to be done but not everyone can use them. If you prefer a digital option, consider putting events and assignments into Google Calendar or even make a to do list and set it as your background/lock screen so you are forced to look at it.

Prioritization

Prioritization can be tricky especially when everything feels important. One method to help determine the importance of each task is the Eisenhower matrix. To use the Eisenhower matrix, make a complete list of everything you want to get done and sort them into urgent and/or important tasks. If the task is Urgent and Important put it at the top of your list. If it is important but not urgent decide when you have time to complete it. If it is urgent but not important do them when you need a mental break from other tasks. And if it is neither urgent nor important then complete it when you have spare time.

Not Overcommitting

Just because there are opportunities around every corner does not mean you have to go to everything. It is important and okay to say “No.” Overcommitment can affect your ability to perform and can impact everything you are involved with. Also, the ability to say “No” is an important skill to develop in life.

Breaks

It is easy to forget to take time for yourself, especially once course work starts piling up and clubs are in full swing. When there is a break in your schedule you do not have to fill it. Giving yourself even 30 to 45 minutes to do something you enjoy is so beneficial. It can reduce stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Here are some videos from the Dennis Learning Center that can help with time management:

• Time Management Workshop (Part 1) Video
• Time Management Workshop (Part 2) Video

If you want further help, there are courses that you can enroll in that help develop these types of skills in students:

• Courses Designed for Academic Success

By: Skylar Millard

With midterm season already among us, here are some study skills and campus resources available to you in order to help you through this time.

Using study strategies that matches your learning preference can improve the amount of information you retain.

Visual

• Study in clutter-free spaces
• Organize notes with different color highlighters and pens
• Create more charts, illustrations, drawings, and symbols
• Make markings in text such as underlining or circling
• Watch videos explaining the concepts
• Use to do lists or calendars to help stay on task and manage due dates
• During exams make notations on the test and underline key words

Aural/Auditory

• Study in a quiet place
• Participate in group discussions and study groups about the material
• Record lectures and discussions *with the professor’s permission*
• Record yourself summarizing key concepts and listen to it for later review
• Explain the course concepts to other people
• Watch videos explaining the concepts
• Develop short songs, rhymes, and/or raps to help you remember key concepts
• Read out loud

Kinesthetic

• Take notes by hand as the act of writing will help with the recall of key concepts
• Space your classes through the day so you have breaks to move around
• Study in small chunks and take breaks
• Set goals to cover a certain amount of material in a certain amount of time
• Study in groups. The gestures and activities of others will help concepts stick
• Use rhythm, beats, music, or rhymes paired with movement to remember concepts.
• Create note cards to be able to move around and study at the same time
• Exercise while you study

Reading/Writing

• Focus on the textbook, assigned readings, handouts, and course power points to learn key concepts
• Develop lists, summaries, and outlines to study from
• Write out words and their definitions repeatedly
• Rewrite and look over your notes on a regular basis
• Organize charts, graphs, and diagrams into statements (ex: The trend is…)
• Write out the steps for math
• Before starting an exam, write any formulas or lists you have memorized on the test
• Use mnemonic devices

Or utilize a mix!

These are also some more general tips that can be helpful when studying:

• Take note of what professors emphasized or repeated multiple times in class.
• Pay attention to end of chapter reviews and key concepts
• Get your questions answered at office hours
  • When and where office hours are is located in your course syllabus
• Try to identify your gaps in knowledge
• Get help if you need it!

Campus has all sorts of resources available to help you.

• Math and Statistics Tutoring
• Writing Tutoring

Columbus Campus also offers free online one-on-one appointments for all Ohio State students. These Academic Coaches are trained in learning and motivation strategies. They offer help to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. They examine academic strengths and weaknesses and develop strategies that lead to success.

• Schedule Academic Coaching

Hopefully these resources will be of use to you and Good Luck on you Exams!

By: Skylar Millard