Time Management Tips for the Adult College Student

This morning I woke up early; took care of chores and errands, and then sat down in the afternoon to write an essay on compassion. After going over my notes, I began transferring my thoughts into a well thought-out first paragraph, when the phone rang. It started with a phone call from my daughter, my dog wanting to play, and escalated into a shouting match with FedEx over a package that has been MIA for four days. After the package was located, FedEx dispatched a driver who was unfamiliar with the area. I was on the phone for about 45 minutes guiding him to my home, and did not begin writing again until 7 p.m.

In recent years, more adults have returned to college to further their education. For some, it has become increasingly difficult to balance family obligations, along with work, and school. Learning to manage time is a developed skill essential to getting the most out of a busy day.

Successful time management is about setting goals, keeping lists, sticking to priorities, and having a clear understanding of what to do, and when. Equally important, is the support of family, and friends.

Set Boundaries:
Setting boundaries is necessary, and when family members or friends respect those boundaries, the adult learner's mind is at ease, and focused. If my son is home and knows I am busy with schoolwork, he will step in to speak to his sister, or tackle other things he can handle. Barring an emergency, I have also learned that it is okay for me to tell family and friends that I'll get back to them later.

Learn to be Flexible:
Often when schedules are interrupted, it's necessary to handle what needs to be handled, and return to coursework later. If for some reason you can't return to your coursework, continue the following day. Waiting for the train or bus can be study time. Using part of your lunch hour to read or study is another way to catch up. I have discovered that blocking out a little time each day works best for me.

Stay Motivated:
It's important not to lose momentum - to stay on track - by gathering thoughts to begin again. Things happen all the time; it can't be helped. Many times in the past, I had "beaten myself up" for interruptions that caused setbacks. Now, I take a moment to reflect, remember my goal, and decide when and how to pick up where I left off.

Study Surroundings:
Where you study is just as important as how. Set up your study area so that you are as comfortable as possible. I know a few people who need music in the background, or the television, and others who need absolute quite. I carved out a little corner in my home where I have access to whatever I need. If I fall behind and am pressed for time, I go to my local library for a couple of hours; for me, it's a great place to research, read, and write.

Take Breaks:
If you begin to have difficulty concentrating - take a break. Pay close attention to how long you're able to stay focused. A major part of college work is reading; stopping at intervals to take a two-minute break is beneficial for concentration. I've noticed that after 20 minutes or so, I need to look up, or just glance away. After about an hour, I get up and stretch, or walk around.

Stay Organized:
Planning on a daily basis is a fundamental part of managing time. What works for one may not work for another, so it's important to find the strategy that works for you. Some people use electronic calendars, others prefer to make list, use wall calendars, or schedulers. Knowing what you need to accomplish, and when things are due can help to prevent confusion, and panic.

I pin the schedule for my courses on a corkboard, blocking out time each day on a calendar, and use sticky notes. During study time, if thoughts unrelated to coursework creep in, I take the time to write them down. It keeps my mind clear. I also use colored pocket folders to keep course related materials organized. I take between two to three courses a semester, and I found the folders indispensable.

Once you've worked out a system, you'll find that you have more time for other things. In the end, you'll walk away with renewed confidence, and well-developed time management skills that will last a life time.