Whether you’re battling through calculus in engineering school like me, or facing down a mountain of nursing textbooks, you would agree that student life can be tough. Deadlines chase you, readings pile up, and it can feel like there’s never enough time to do it all, let alone have any sort of life outside your studies.

I was SO there. Stressed, pulling late nights that led to even less productive days, and watching my grades take a serious hit. But then, I started experimenting with some time management strategies. And you know what? They actually worked. Improved grades, a sense of control… hey, I even started remembering what the word “relaxation” meant. So, let’s dive into the good stuff!

8 Time Management Hacks For Students

1. The “Eat the Frog” Time Management Technique:

Don’t be fooled by the silly name: this strategy is all about boosting your willpower and productivity.

Here’s how it works:

1. Identify Your Frog: At the start of each day (or the night before), pinpoint the absolute HARDEST task on your to-do list. The one you’re dreading. That’s the frog.

• Get It Done First: Before checking email, social media, or anything else – tackle the frog while your willpower is at its peak. Pro-tip: break it into smaller chunks if it feels too overwhelming.

• Reap the Rewards: Once your frog is devoured, you’re golden! The sense of accomplishment is rocket fuel for the rest of your tasks, which now feel way less intimidating.

Action Step: At the end of each day, spend 5 minutes identifying your #1 “frog” for tomorrow. Think of the task which you are most likely to procrastinate. Don’t overthink it – pick the task you’re dreading the most.

For more on how to overcome procrastination as a student, check out this blog post: Beat Procrastination: 7 Powerful Strategies Every Student Needs To Know!

2. Batching Time Management Technique

The key to student productivity? Work smarter, not harder by grouping similar tasks. together.

Think of your brain like a computer, switching between tasks is like switching between programs – there’s a little processing lag (delay). Switching between different task types wastes mental energy – batching similar tasks together minimizes that mental lag, keeps your brain focused, and lets you accomplish way more.

Here’s how to boost focus and get more done:

• Identify Batchable Tasks: Look for things that use the same skillset or mindset – like emails, routine assignments, errands, or calls.

• Block Them Out: Dedicate chunks of time to specific task types, turning a scattered day into focused work zones. Example: 90 minutes for knocking out email. Then, a 2-hour reading block.

• Minimize Distractions: When batching, silence notifications, close irrelevant tabs, and let people know you’re unavailable to maximize efficiency.

Here are some possible use cases:

• Communication Batch: Knock out all your emails, messages, and calls in one go, instead of being constantly interrupted.

• Prep Batch: Gather necessary materials (books, notes, software) for a study session BEFORE you sit down to avoid time-wasting breaks.

• Errand Batch: Map out errands and do them in a single outing, rather than those sporadic trips that eat up your day.

Action Step: Pick one area where you lose time due to scattered tasks. Commit to batching that for a week and see how much smoother it goes.

3. Prioritize Effectively

Not every item on that to-do list is equally important.

Use the Eisenhower Matrix: a fancy name for a simple chart that helps you sort tasks into “Urgent and Important,” “Important but Not Urgent,” “Urgent but Not Important,” and “Neither Urgent nor Important.”

Here’s how it works: Divide a page into four quadrants:

• Draw the Chart: Divide a page into four quadrants or squares. Label them: “Urgent and Important,” “Important but Not Urgent,” “Urgent but Not Important,” “Neither Urgent nor Important.”

• Sort Your Tasks: Be honest with yourself about what truly deserves your time NOW versus what can wait.

• Urgent AND Important: Do these ASAP (think of deadlines and critical tasks)

• Important but NOT Urgent: Schedule these (long-term projects, studying for exams)

• Urgent but NOT Important: Delegate if possible, or knock these out quickly when your focus is low.

• NOT Urgent and NOT Important: These are your time-wasters, minimize them!

When a new task arises, instead of just adding it to the list, slot it into a quadrant.  This forces you to assess its true importance and avoid wasting time on low-priority items.

Suddenly, you’re not just reacting to deadlines, but strategically choosing how to spend your time. (Bonus – it’s super satisfying to cross those “do it now” tasks off!).

Action Step: Next time you’re overwhelmed, draw the Eisenhower Matrix instead of a to-do list.  You might be shocked at how many things fall into those bottom two quadrants!

4. Turn Your Phone into a Friend!

Look, I love a good TikTok scroll as much as anyone. It’s not a secret that most of us are seriously addicted to our phones. That’s because they’re designed to be addictive! During study blocks, they can be a recipe for disaster.

Your smartphone is a powerful tool, but it’s also the king of distractions.

So learning how to strike a balance for improved time management skills, is a must. Here’s how to do it;

• Know Thy Enemy: Use screen time trackers on your phone to see exactly where your time is getting sucked away. The results might shock you…

• Use Focus Mode: Most phones now have built-in features to temporarily block certain apps or notifications. Set these during designated study blocks – you might be surprised by how much more you accomplish.

• Productivity Apps: Download productivity apps specifically for students. Try apps like Forest, which gamifies focus (you grow virtual trees when you don’t touch your phone!), or Hold, which rewards you with points for staying off social media that can be redeemed for real-world discounts.

• Out of Sight, Out of Mind: During intense work sessions, physically put your phone in another room, turn it on silent, or use airplane mode to eliminate the temptation to check it every few minutes.

• Reward Yourself Strategically: Use your phone as a productivity treat! Finish that tough assignment? Now you can enjoy a mindless scroll guilt-free during your scheduled downtime. It’s way more satisfying when you’ve truly earned it.

Better still, instead of mindlessly scrolling in those breaks, use an app to set a 10-15-minute timer and engage in something truly relaxing – a short walk, a few stretches, or chatting with a friend.

5. Master the art of Planning

Planning ahead saves you from constant stress and reactive work.

Whether you swear by a detailed planner with stickers and highlighters, or just scribble on a notepad, commit to taking 15 minutes at the start of every week to plan out deadlines, assignments, and even social stuff. It sounds basic, but having that visual representation eliminates overwhelm and keeps you on track.

Here’s how to make planning painless and effective:

• Choose Your Tool: Digital planner, bullet journal, wall calendar, or a basic notepad – the tool doesn’t matter as much as using it consistently.

• Weekly Check-in: Dedicate 15-30 minutes every Sunday (or at the start of your week) to review your schedule. Add upcoming classes, deadlines, exams, and project checkpoints.

• Break It Down: Don’t just list “Study for Bio Exam.” Break it into smaller chunks: “Review Ch.1,” “Create Flashcards,” “Practice Quiz.” This makes it less overwhelming.

• Be Realistic: Don’t try to cram 10 hours of work into a 4-hour day. Schedule strategically, factor in breaks, and leave some room for the unexpected. A plan you can stick to beats unrealistic perfection.

Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect to be helpful.

• Be Flexible: Life happens! Don’t freak out if you need to adjust. The plan is there to guide you, not become another stressor. You already have enough stressors as a student, I’m not here to add more.

6. Say “No” Strategically

As students, everyone wants a piece of us – clubs, friends, study groups, that tempting extra shift. Managing your time is a vital student survival skill.

It’s okay to say “no!” to opportunities that aren’t in line with your goals. Protecting your designated study time, or your well-earned chill time, is a form of self-care. Learn to politely decline things that aren’t a top priority for YOU.

Here’s how to decline things without feeling guilty:

• Know Your Priorities: Is saying “yes” to that extra shift at your part-time job, worth sacrificing study time and potentially hurting your GPA? Is joining another club worth the mental overload? Align your choices clearly with your top priorities.

• Practice Polite Declines: Learn a few go-to phrases like,

“I wish I could, but my workload is insane this week,”

“Sounds fun, but I’ve already got plans”

“Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to prioritize my coursework right now”  

“I wish I could help, but my schedule is packed this month.”

“I can help for 30 mins, then I have to study”

Be honest but brief.

• Offer Alternatives (If Possible): Can’t volunteer for the event? Offer to spread the word about it on social media instead. This shows you’re willing to help in ways that fit your availability.

• Don’t Apologize Excessively: Your time is valuable. Be respectful when declining, but don’t feel guilty about protecting your academic commitments and your well-being.

• Your Time = Your Currency: Would you throw away money? Of course not! View your time with the same value. Before saying yes, ask yourself: “Is this the best use of my time right now?”

• It’s Not Personal: Declining a study group invite because you learn better solo isn’t a slight against your friend. Explain that your study style is different, and offer an alternative if possible (eg: comparing notes later).

• The Power of a Pause: If on-the-spot “no” is tough, say, “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.” This gives you space to assess if it truly fits your priorities.

You’re responsible for your success. Sometimes that means politely declining extra commitments to focus on your studies. That’s not selfish, it’s smart.

Saying “no” is a skill, and like any skill, it gets less awkward with practice. Start small and you’ll find yourself valuing your time more and more.

7. Stop Multitasking

Focus is like a muscle – you need to train it to get stronger! Avoid multitasking, our brains aren’t built for it! Trying to study while texting and catching up on group chat drama, might feel efficient, but it’s a trap.

Focus on ONE task at a time – you’ll do it faster and better, leaving more time for other things. Studies prove our attention is like a spotlight. When you split it, both tasks suffer in quality and take longer to complete.

Here’s how to break the multitasking habit and become a laser-focused study machine:

• Understand the Cost: When you try to do two (or more!) mental tasks at once, your brain constantly switches context. This leads to slower work, more mistakes, and increased mental fatigue.

• One Thing at a Time: Choose a task, and give it your full attention. Set a timer if it helps! Aim for 25 minutes of focused work followed by a short break (consider the Pomodoro Technique).

• Minimize Distracting Environment: Close unnecessary tabs, silence your phone, and find a quiet work spot (libraries are your friend!). Let people around you know you’re in a “focus zone” if possible.

• Practice Mindfulness: Even a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing can help retrain your brain to focus on the present task and resist getting pulled in multiple directions.

• Practice Makes Perfect: The more you single-task, the easier it becomes. Notice how much more satisfying it is to fully complete something before moving on!

8. Delegate and Collaborate

Group projects can be a pain, but they’re also a chance to save time and lighten your workload. Instead of everyone muddling through the entire assignment, strategize! Divide tasks based on strengths (writing, researching, etc.), set clear deadlines for individual parts, and hold each other accountable.

Here’s how to make teamwork work for you and your group:

• Know Your Strengths: Are you a whiz at research? Is he a superstar at editing? And is she great at presentation? Be honest about your skills and where contributions from others would be most helpful.

• Strengths-Based Division: Don’t just split a huge project into equal parts if it doesn’t make sense. Break down tasks based on strengths and interests so everyone is more invested in their piece of the puzzle.

• Set Clear Deadlines and Expectations: Vagueness leads to disaster. Don’t just aim for the project’s due date. Set deadlines for individual contributions, check in regularly and agree on the level of quality expected from everyone. This will ensure everyone is on track and problems can be addressed early.

• Utilize Collaboration Tools: Whether it’s Google Docs, Slack, or a simple group chat, have a clear system for sharing updates, asking questions, and keeping everyone accountable. No frantic last-minute rushes!

• Respect and Communication Matter: Treat your groupmates with the same respect you’d hope for. If someone isn’t carrying their weight, address the issue respectfully but directly. Compromise is key, but don’t shoulder the entire workload yourself.

• Embrace the Learning Process: Even when collaboration isn’t perfect (because it rarely is!) you’re honing vital communication and conflict resolution skills – essential for your success beyond school.

• Embrace the Learning Process: Even when collaboration isn’t perfect (because it rarely is!) you’re honing vital communication and conflict resolution skills – essential for your success beyond school.

The Power of Consistency in Time Management

Alright, I won’t pretend that these hacks will magically give you an extra 8 hours in a day. But consistently implementing them made a HUGE difference for me. Better grades? Yep! Less of that soul-crushing panic when exams rolled around? Absolutely! Honestly, the biggest victory was feeling like I was finally in control of my time, instead of it controlling me.

So, here’s my challenge to you: don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Pick two or three hacks that sound appealing. Commit to trying them out for a solid week. Notice what changes – are you less distracted? Getting things done faster? Feeling less stressed overall? Then, gradually add in a few more. Before you know it, you’ll have built a time management system that works for YOU.

A Note on Personalization

Find what fits your style! If meticulously detailed planners stress you out, don’t force them. A simple whiteboard with sticky notes might be your jam. The key is finding techniques that make managing your workload feel easier, not like an extra chore.

Let’s Help Each Other Out!

Got a time management trick I didn’t mention? Share it in the comments below! Whether it’s a study app you swear by, or a way to make group projects less painful, let’s turn this into a resource for all of us. We’re in this together!

Ready to level up your time management skills? Grab my free “Time Management Hacks” checklist! It’s got all the strategies we covered here, plus space to personalize your plan. [Link to downloadable resource]

Final Thoughts

Remember, progress beats perfection. Some days, you’ll crush your to-do list. Others? Well, at least you’ll have a strategy for tackling that pileup the next day. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the wins (even the small ones!), and never stop looking for ways to make student life a little smoother. Grab your copy of the Eisenhower matrix and start managing your time like a boss. You’ve got this!