College Study Time: Make it Priority One

It doesn't matter if you are an online college student, a campus co-ed or a master's student at an Ivy League school, there's one thing you have in common with students everywhere - the need to find ample study time. Once you account for classroom lectures, work, transportation and the simple act of eating and sleeping there are only a few precious hours in a day that remain. You need to come up with a study plan before you spend any of that time doing other things. Here are a few things to think about:

Don't over commit. We all want to be super human; it seems, in pursuit of creating balance in our lives. But if you allow parties, sports, obligatory social events and even too many classes and work shifts into your life what can you truly do well? Nothing. You need to be very realistic about how much you can do and keep yourself from over promising anything further. If it takes you longer than four years to earn your degree, that's okay. It's better than over-extending and getting frazzled in the process.

Make lists to set your priorities and measure progress. A good place to start is with a weekly calendar. This will give you a good look at everything you need to fit in before weekend rolls around. Jot down all classes, projects, study groups, sleep, work-outs, social events, jobs and even the time you need to speed eating, doing laundry, etc. Make studying your top priority and carve out time for it when you fresh and alert. Next, create a daily "to do" list as a reminder of the things that need to be done each day to keep you on your weekly target. This is where you will list quizzes, tests and appointments to keep. If something comes along and puts you off schedule, you'll have to rearrange your weekly list to make up for it. The simple act of writing the daily list every morning will help to reinforce what you need to do.

Don't lose sight of your long-term goals. College is a heady time and it's easy to get so wrapped up in the experience that you lose track of why you are there. It's likely that you have a vision for your life once you graduate, so keep it in mind when you start to feel overwhelmed with projects and studying. Let your plans for the future guide you in making decisions today. Remind yourself that the education you get in college will help get you where you want to be. With that in mind, it's easier to decide between studying for a quiz and going bowling with roommates.

Do whatever you have to in order to avoid distractions. It may be fun to hit a movie instead of your books every once in a while, but if you have a friend who constantly tries to undermine your weekly priorities, steer clear of him when you have things to do. Keep things like televisions, your cell phone and anything else that pulls your focus off of your academic work out of sight. It's also important to eat well, get plenty of rest and protect your health so that an illness doesn't come along and derail your study plan.

Don't deprive yourself time for relaxing and socializing, just be sure that first you plan to get all of you studying done. Time is a valuable asset; one of the most important tools at your disposal on your way to your college degree.

Ruth Simmons is a columnist for an educational website development company. She writes on online degrees, higher education, online universities, and financial aid for graduate students. College Study Time: Make it Priority One