Time management can be defined as a process of planning and exercising control over the amount of time spent on specific activities. It’s hard to focus while working on homework for a long period of time. Take breaks, and when planning when to work on homework, write in times for dinner, meetings, workouts and class. College is all about having fun and getting involved, but education is the top priority and the reason why you’re here.

“Time management is so important in college because I have so many different responsibilities and obligations,” junior Molly Sullivan said. “I manage my time by starting assignments early and working on school work everyday, so that I have time to spend with my friends and family.”

There are going to be numerous times you wish you didn’t have homework to do, or a big exam to study for, so you could enjoy the sunshine and play outside with friends. Use the weather as motivation to get things done.

College becomes very overwhelming at times. Most of the time one feels as if they have a hundred and one things to do. When worrying about when to get everything done, make a to-do list. Whether it’s a day-to-day list or weeklong list, they help tremendously. Nothing feels better than crossing things off your to-do list. Feeling productive is a great feeling.

“Making a to-do list every day helps a lot with managing my time so I don’t feel stressed,” junior, Adam Gunselman said. Gunselman said Time management skills have helped throughout his college years.

Whatever you do, do not procrastinate. Procrastination not only leads to more stress, but also bad time management skills.

Some days may be busier and more stressful than other days. It’s easy to become distraught when looking at a schedule of upcoming tests, quizzes, presentations, meetings and assignments, but take a deep breath, and focus on the assignments that are due the following day. Concentrating on short-term goals can be less stressful than looking at the big picture.

“I treat everyday like a 9-5 job, then in the evening I have time for all of my meetings and social activities so I’m not up all night trying to catch up on homework,” senior Jessie Fiffick said.

When feeling stressed, think about what is actually stressing you out. There are two categories when it comes to stress: things you can control and things you cannot control. When thinking about things that can be stressful, put them into those two categories. Focus on the things you can control, rather than the unneeded stress that occurs with things you cannot control.

The easiest way to deal with stress is to write in a calendar or assignment book. Keeping track of meetings, tests, and quizzes can be nearly impossible to remember if it’s not written down. One way to release stress may be going on a walk outside, or the rec center to work out.

It’s better to make successful time management skills now rather than later.

Having successful time management skills will not only benefit you in college, but also for your career and life in general.