Law School: time management ( 10 basic rules + extra tricks)
Time management is one of the key skills that a student should master. Better managing your time and making the most of it is also a skill that will come in handy for the rest of your life.
1. Use a planner or a calendar or the electronic version of them
A planner will help you keep track of your assignments/due-dates/tests/exams.
2. Choose your day-off of the week
Having a lazy day when it’s all about you, and 0 about school is a must. Relaxing helps keeping you motivated and keeps your energy bar full for the rest of your week. My relaxing time is Friday night (mainly because most weeks I spend it on the train) and Saturday.
This means that you should do the most urgent tasks first. And also, when you have the choice, do the harder stuff first.
If distractions come up, don’t let yourself get tempted. If you plan something scchool related, then you should stick to your plan.
5. When planning, choose realistic and achievable goals
Don’t plan to study 3 chapters a day if they are long and need more time. Plan to study small chunks and make sure that you can fulfill 100% whatever you have planned.
6. Make daily to-do lists
I make my lists every night, before I got to sleep. This way, I feel fully prepared for the next day. To-do lists will show you the things in perspective, you won’t forget any major task, you will feel in control and you willl have a list of things you need to do at hand at all times.
When making the list, try to estimate the time it might take you to finish every task and write it down. Then, keep your list with you at all times and whenever you have a “window” of free time in your day (if a 2-hour course is suspended, for example) you can pick something from that list to do depending on how much time you have to fill.
7. Use a crossing down system
When planning, use a crossing down system to feel the beauty and joy of accomplishing the tasks you’ve assigned yourself. This will keep you motivated and excited about finishing your list.
Don’t neglect the power of taking breaks, so don’t forget to squeeze these on your schedule as well. Also, make sure that you set aside enough time to nurture your social life and your hobbies, and keep in mind that balance is the end goal.
Break down your tasks into smaller mini-tasks and try to accomplish them one step at a time. For example, when you have to study for a test, your mini-tasks should consist of chapters/sub-chapters.
10. Overestimate the time you need for a task
This way, you will allow yourself time to transition from a task to another and be prepared for any unavoidable distractions that might come along the day.
wake up early in the morning, so that you have more time during the day
pay attention in class, because it will help you a lot while studying and this saves you time
reward yourself when you achieve your goals and you get the grades you’ve worked for
study groups is a really good idea to stay accountable and study in time. If you schedule a group study session, you will most likely show up prepared to avoid any awkward situation
set “fake” deadlines so that you avoid the stress of having to do stuff last minute. I usually make myself believe that my exams are one day before than when they are set.
if you have the time and mood to do extra, do it. If you have planned to study 2 chapters today, but you could still go on and study 3 chapters, do it. This will give you some free time later in the week.
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