Your last class of the day just ended, and you’re searching for something to do.  Although it can be tempting to travel home or hurry back to your dorm to watch television, surf the Internet or talk on the telephone with friends, if you use this time to plan tasks for the following day you can avoid worry and a few study habit headaches.

How College and University Students Can Take Advance of Daily Planners

Should you have examinations, quizzes or projects and assignments due within the coming week, take the time to study for at least an hour.  You can also start on assignments early so you won’t feel pressured to rush and get your college or university projects done at the last minute.  For example, if you have a 10 page essay due in a week for English composition, you could write two pages of the composition a night rather than trying to cram all 10 pages in the day before the essay is due.  Also consider:

Getting a daily planner and writing information about your upcoming laboratory work and clinical assignments in the planner.  Write the time and location for the lab and clinical work.  This will save you the time of having to call your professor or a classmate to get the information.

If you’re not a fan of daily planners, consider recording your upcoming events and classroom schedules in an online planner.  Some Internet service providers allow you to use private electronic planners free of charge.  You can also type in a reminder for the event so you receive an email or a pop-up message one to two days before the event alerting you to be prepared for the quiz, examination, lecture, clinical assignment or lab work.

College and University Students Keeping Track of Their Goals

Consider using a spreadsheet, journal or whatever tool you are comfortable with to write down your short and long-term goals.  These goals are not set in stone, meaning you can change them whenever you wish.  After all, they are “your” goals.  Writing down your goals (e.g. get a tutor for Chemistry by the end of next week, meet with career counselor to enroll in a college or university internship program) helps you to get clear about what it is you want most.  Alongside each goal, include the date you want to have fulfilled the goal.  To make the process fun, consider writing a cool, positive quote next to each goal, something that will keep you inspired and motivated.

Small Tasks Yield Big Rewards

Before you head out to a college or university athletic event, concert or other social function, iron your clothes for the following school-day, saving yourself the hassle of rushing and getting your clothes ready in the morning.  Also consider setting your textbooks and accompanying notes on your study desk, in an area where you can quickly grab them and head out for your first class the following morning.  If your professor asked you to print documents off your computer or the Internet, do so before you put the day’s college or university work behind you for the evening.