1 of 5

Write now Article Tools

For many high school athletes, the chance to play college sports is the realization of a life-long dream. However, some of these students experience a bit of culture shock when they begin to comprehend the unique challenges presented by their participation in this next level of competition. While it is important for all college students to understand how to best manage their time in order to balance academic and social life, it is essential that collegiate athletes learn this skill very early on in their post-secondary careers.

1) Get organized. Juggling academic, social and team obligations will put a premium on your time; you can't afford to lose valuable minutes or hours searching for that lost syllabus or trying to find last week's lecture notes. Even if organization isn't your thing, at least attempt to keep your stuff together: always store that biology textbook with the class notes, get a few folders or binders to hold loose papers for each class, and create a chart with your professors' contact information and office hours in case you need to reach an instructor in a pinch.

2) Plan ahead. One of the best ways to manage your time effectively is to know what's coming. College is different than high school you probably won't have homework due every time your class meets and things can sneak up on you quickly. Buy a large desk calendar or make a simple one-month calendar on your computer. Fill in the due dates of any assignments, papers, projects and exams, as well as study groups, special events, meetings, and practice and game times. Use a different colored pen or marker for each class and one for athletic commitments; post the calendar over your desk or in a place where you're sure to see it often. Having this visual reference will make it much easier for you to plan coursework around sports and social events.

3) Take advantage. Playing college sports involves not only long hours of training and competing, but also lots of time traveling. While your classmates are in their rooms writing a paper or meeting with a study group at the library, you're stuck on a bus or plane for a few hours. If you have to travel a distance to a competition, use that time wisely. Catch up on your course reading, take some notes for a project, bring along your laptop and get started on a paper, or study for that upcoming exam. It's easy to waste this time watching a DVD or listening to your iPod, but travel time is an excellent way to gain some ground in your classes; it will

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Time management tips for college athletes?
We want to hear your view. Write now!