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Time management and planning

Effective time management comes down to two key things:

  • Planning your time
  • Getting the work done

This page covers both, offering strategies to help you manage your time and stay productive.

 

 

Why have a time plan?

Having a plan helps you:

  • Stay on top of deadlines without relying on memory
  • Balance study with other commitments
  • Clearly see what needs to be done and when
  • Stay flexible, your plan should be reviewed and adjusted regularly

What do you need?

  • A calendar (digital like Google Calendar, Outlook, or iCal or a paper version)
  • A to-do list

Pro tip: Record all your lectures, meetings, and deadlines in your calendar first. Then block out time to work on items from your to-do list.

To-do lists that work

Keep one master list for everything: study, work, life.

How to manage your list:

  1. Write it down - Everything. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it now.
  2. Organise - Prioritise tasks by importance and urgency.
  3. Do it - Stick to your plan.
  4. Review - Adjust as needed.

Urgent vs important: The Eisenhower Matrix

We often tackle what's urgent and important first, which makes sense.
But don't ignore tasks that are important but not urgent (like essays due in three weeks). These are the ones that sneak up on you.

Task management tips

 

  1. Breaking down big tasks

    Planning isn’t just about making a list. It's about knowing how to tackle the work. Break larger tasks (like assignments) into smaller, manageable parts.

    • Understand the task
    • Initial research and reading
    • Plan your approach
    • Supplementary reading
    • Write first draft
    • Review and revise
    • Proofread and check references

    Tip: Start with your deadline and work backwards. Add each step to your calendar.
    Tools like RefWorks can help you track sources for proper referencing.

  2. Staying focused

    Identify your biggest distractions (e.g., phone, social media, emails) and build habits to reduce them. Try blocking out distraction-free time in your calendar.

    The Pomodoro Technique

    • Pick a task
    • Set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro)
    • Focus only on that task
    • Take a 5-minute break
    • After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (20–30 minutes)

    Why it works: You stay focused knowing a break is coming - and it’s easier to start a task when you only commit to 25 minutes.

    We’re most productive with structure and routine. Find a system that works for you and build focused time into your day - with minimal distractions.

  3. Dealing with procrastination

    Even the best plan can fail if you don’t follow through. Understanding why you procrastinate can help you overcome it.

    What kind of procrastinator are you?

    Perfectionist

    • Problem: Fear of not meeting high standards.
    • Solution: Set realistic goals and time limits. Separate writing from editing.

    Dreamer

    • Problem: Big ideas, no clear plan.
    • Solution: Turn dreams into actionable goals with deadlines.

    Worrier

    • Problem: Avoids decisions, fears change.
    • Solution: Plan for ‘what-ifs’ and try mindfulness to manage anxiety.

    Crisis-maker

    • Problem: Thrives on last-minute pressure.
    • Solution: Start early and reward yourself. You might enjoy it more than you expect.

    Defiant

    • Problem: Resists tasks or avoids follow-through.
    • Solution: Own your choices. Align your actions with your bigger goals.

    Over-doer

    • Problem: Takes on too much, struggles to delegate.
    • Prioritise and learn to say no - without guilt.