TIME MANAGEMENT FOR OFF-SITE STUDENTS
Proper time management can be the winning feature for off-site students in Milan. Despite this, many students underestimate the importance of using time effectively and end up neglecting any scheduling for their daily routine.
In this in-depth study we will try to understand what time management is for off-site students and how it can be improved!
What is time management?
Time management is the process of organizing and practising conscious control of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase productivity.
There are so many techniques used for this reason, some of the most efficient are summarized and analysed hereunder.
Benefits of Time Management
Having said that, aside from any practical tips on which we’ll shed some light shortly, the benefits of productive time management are clear: you’ll have a more productive day and your duties and activities will be carried out more efficiently.
You’ll also realize that you can get more done with less effort!
How to improve your time management when living alone
Now it’s useful to understand how time management can be more effective being a non-resident student in Milan and living alone. Let us review some of the recurring insights.
Plan your schedule!
First of all you should plan what you need to do carefully (study, shopping, meetings, etc.) in order to set your priorities. You’ll figure out what your crucial task is and, in doing so, you’ll decide what needs precedence over the others.
We also advise you to make a list of all the things you’d like to do, even if you think they’re not a priority, such as doing sport, going to the cinema or to a restaurant, etc.
Set daily goals and write them down
Once you know what your priorities are, try to set daily goals that are achievable, smart and compatible with the final result and write them down on a sheet of paper (also electronic). In this way you can always track your progress towards a goal.
Having in mind what to do makes the journey easier
If you have observed the previous two steps, you’re already halfway to a better time management strategy. Having an action plan makes the path easier to follow, creating a real map that you can consult any time.
Avoid multitasking
One of the greatest myths of productivity is that you can be multitasking: doing multiple tasks at the same time, going from one to another. Certainly, this is not the best way to regularize your routine!
The overwhelming benefits of Power napping
The power nap is a secret weapon that all student can use easily. But what is it about?
Quite simply, it consists of planning small regenerating naps, which can boost your energy and prepare you for your next task.
Define priorities (Eisenhower matrix)
The Eisenhower Matrix is one of the best-known time management tools in the world. It helps you visualize all your tasks in a matrix of urgent/important. Each activity will be evaluated according to four criteria
- Urgent and important: activities you need to do as soon as possible and in person
- Not urgent and important: activities that you must perform in person but which can be scheduled later
- Urgent and unimportant: activities that, when it’s possible, you can delegate to someone else
- Not urgent and unimportant: activities that can be dismissed.
Divide urgent commitments from things to do
Managing your time properly helps you making a distinction between an urgent commitment from a task you have to accomplish. In this way you could realize if the activities should be carried out right away, or in an integrated and synergistic way.
Stop Over-planning!
Planning is useful, but over-planning could drag you in a vortex of continuous reprogramming. It’s better to take some time for the initial planning instead, and reviewing it periodically (example: once every 15 days).
Take breaks during study sessions
Try taking breaks during your study sessions, even using the Pomodoro method. Well organized breaks will allow your mind to rest and reinvigorate your commitment and energy!
Do less but do it better
Generally speaking, quality is much more important than quantity. Therefore, better to do less, but do it well and without mistakes and inefficiencies, rather than fulfilling multiple tasks and then realize you’ve made some missteps.
Conclusions
We hope that these tips have been useful in order to manage your time effectively.
Remember that every non-resident student is different and therefore your best time management strategy may not be the same as your colleagues!
