When college started, I wasn’t sure how effective my current time management tips would be. I figured that I would have to do some experimenting with new ways that might work for me in this environment. However, I have learned that having a roommate is not helping with my habits. She will talk to me as she sees me sitting on my laptop obviously doing homework. When I know that she is doing homework, I keep my mouth shut and try not to make a bunch of noise. However, I found that working with one friend specifically to do homework, helps both of us stay focused, otherwise I would need to be alone. We need to be in a room with just the two of us. After I realized some of the factors that were negatively affecting my time management, I decided to cut them off and figure out different ways that work for me.
Fortunately, after trial and error, I was able to figure out some secrets that help me study and stay focused. First of all, I need to either be in my dorm room alone or at the library. At my dorm, I keep a quiet show on in the background, but when I go to the library, it is silent. I haven’t noticed either one is better than the other. I usually like to have background noise on in general. Sticky notes have been my best friend since starting college. Writing out everything I need to do helps me stay focused and organized. I cross it off once I do it and I take it off of my to-do list on canvas. I can also place them where I want to grab my attention. I usually do homework for about an hour and then take a five-minute break. This helps me not get too worn out. Before I start studying or doing homework, I also make sure I have everything I need so I don’t get up and get distracted.