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Fill in all of your “fixed” time commitments, including classes, jobs, organization or club meetings, church functions, meal times, sleeping, etc. Fixed commitments are inflexible, important, and usually do not change week to week.

Now tackle your more “flexible” tasks by incorporating specific study times into your schedule. Using a formula of two hours of studying for each hour in class per week, calculate the total number of hours you should allocate to class work. Some subjects will require more, and others less, than this calculated number, so you’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly. Analyze each of your courses to determine your typical workload: How many chapters must you read? What homework assignments, lab reports, or essays must be completed? How long do you usually need to study for exams to feel prepared?

Once you estimate these hours, pick a day and time for completing your work for each class. On your schedule, write in the exact subject you intend to study or work you intend to complete. For example, put down, “Psychology: Read Chapter 2” or “Chemistry: Homework Assignment 7” in a specific time slot on your schedule.

Hint: When writing in your subjects and corresponding study times, try color coordinating for better visual perception. Use different colors for each course or type of task.

It is also important to schedule preparation times for courses that require your participation, such as recitations, language classes, and labs. Prep times should be scheduled shortly before class so that your mind is “in gear” for the subject. Similarly, we suggest scheduling times to review your class notes as soon after lecture as possible, within 24 hours. You should use this time to add information that you were unable to include during lecture, expand on examples given in class, and clarify concepts. Reviewing your notes the same day you take them improves understanding and long-term memory, making it easier to complete homework assignments and study for exams.

Hint: “Odd” periods of time can be used to review course information. For example, time in between classes, a few minutes at the end of lunch, or a few extra moments before class all could be great opportunities to skim your notes.

Plan personal and social time, which can help reduce procrastination and offer you something to look forward to. Keep in mind that relaxation, exercise, and social activities can help reduce stress!

Hint: When you find yourself in a “time crunch” due to unexpected tasks arising, or perhaps you need more time than expected to complete work, adjust your schedule by borrowing from your flexible, lower-priority activities.