Hi all!
As a Careers Ambassador for Mathematics & Computing, I understand how hard it can be balancing multiple coursework deadlines at times. Here are some effective strategies that will help you keep yourself organized and ensure you do everything on time.
- Plan out a Detailed Schedule
Write down all deadlines: The first step is to write the date of every upcoming test and the deadline of an assignment. It may be advantageous to use a calendar or a planner so you view your commitments.
Prioritize your assignments: be aware of which one will fall due sooner, and which one requires more time. You are then in a better position to concentrate on the more urgent ones.
- Break down your work.
Break big assignments into smaller ones: Large projects into smaller tasks, for example. If you have a project, divide it according to the stages of research, writing, and editing.
Set Mini-Deadlines: Give each smaller task a specific deadline so as to keep yourself on track and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Utilize time management techniques.
Apply the Pomodoro Technique: work uninterruptedly in 25-minute sets, immediately followed by a 5-minute break. In this way, you will be capable of keeping up your concentration and efficiency.
Employ Time Blocking: Reserve specific time from the schedule for studying different subjects or working on specific assignments.
- Stay Organized
Keep your materials neat: Organize notes, textbooks, and resources so they are easy to access. Keep them in physical folders or digital tools for ease of use.
Use digital aids like Notion, or Todoist to help you in task management as well as give you reminders so that you can take responsibility for acting in time.
- Seek Help Where Needed
Talk to Professors: If one feels overwhelmed, talk to professors. They sometimes give extensions or advice on better ways of managing the workload.
Join groups: formation of study groups should be done with friends to interact better and hence grasp concepts that are not easy to understand.
- Prioritize Self-Care
Take good care of your body: Eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and sleep enough. Once you are physically fit, your head will think quite clearly.
Schedule Downtime: It’s good to prepare moments for breaks to clear your mind and then refocus later on in your studies.
- Reflect and Adjust Your Strategy
Review Your Progress: At the end of each week, take time to assess what you’ve accomplished. If certain methods aren’t effective, feel free to change your approach.