by Megan As Well

Created on: September 21, 2008   Last Updated: September 23, 2008

The transition from high school to college can be a tough one. Even as a freshman, many college students must take on part-time jobs on top of a heavy load of schoolwork. Time management skills are essential to any college student who plans to succeed. Here are some ways to steer yourself down the proper path.

1. Do not procrastinate. This is a golden rule. Procrastination causes unnecessary stress, and cramming to finish assignments at the last minute results in poor work. When you receive assignments, do them as soon as possible. If you have a break between classes or an empty block of time, use it to get as much work done as possible. Work before play.

2. Do all your errands at once. Banking, shopping, Starbucks, laundry, hair appointment... Plan to do the errands around scheduled appointments and do them all in one trip. This will not only save you time but your gas tank will thank you.

3. Wear a watch, even if you carry a cell phone or PDA everywhere with you. This way, you will be less likely to lose track of time or be late for class.

4. Get plenty of sleep and invest in a good alarm clock. When you are well-rested, you will be able to get things done without stopping for a coffee or dragging your feet along. The better you feel, the more productive you are bound to be. A good alarm clock will help ensure that you don't oversleep.

5. Save money. This way, you will not have to worry so much about how to pay for things like food, books, school supplies, and clothes. These things can add stress and sometimes having a financial cushion is enough to save you from needing to work more hours. If you receive money for your birthday or for holidays, avoid splurging. Save it.

6. Write, read, study while you eat. You will be killing two birds with one stone.

7. Make to-do lists and complete them to the very best of your ability. Include schoolwork on your list and never let it wait until tomorrow.

8. If you live off-campus or in a dorm in which pets are allowed, shy away from the idea of getting a pet. Even caring for a fish in a bowl will take up more time in your busy schedule. Dogs require long walks, daily exercise, and sometimes daily grooming. Unless you are a non-working part-time student with a financial cushion and enough free time to devote to your pet, wait until after graduation to invest in one.

9. Get a part-time job. Though you may think that adding a part-time job onto your already-toppling workload may clog your schedule, college is the perfect time to learn to balance school, work, and a social life. The more you tackle, the better you will feel. Plus, filling up your days will naturally teach you to utilize each hour of each day.

Unfortunately, it is too easy to get swallowed up by a busy college schedule. Stick to these step and you will find success, as well as shiny new time management skills which you can take with you into post-college life.

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