Take charge of your time.

One of the most common pieces of advice students had for each other? Get organized early. Whether you love Google Calendar, a paper planner, or something more visual, building a routine and protecting your time is a huge part of staying on track in college.

Why It Matters

Time management wasn’t just about remembering deadlines. Students who stayed organized said it helped them reduce stress, avoid burnout, and make space for real rest. Those who didn't figure out a system early on often struggled to keep up.

Several students used Google Calendar, entering assignments from the syllabus during the first week of class and setting color-coded reminders. Others relied on paper planners and to-do lists—sometimes using one planner for school and another for personal life. No matter the method, they all agreed: you need to find what works for you—and start using it right away.

Real Talk: What They Said

“Time management and organizational skills—you gotta develop that as soon as possible. That’s one of the very first things that I wish I had prioritized more my first semester.”
—Student reflection

“I block out my whole week and assign time to everything I need to do. It keeps me on track and helps me feel less anxious.”
—Cassandra

“I make time to study before or after class—once I leave campus, I know I’ll procrastinate.”
—Eric

“There is no way you can dedicate [two hours for every one in class] if you’re working and from a minority community. I crammed a lot, if I’m being honest.”
—Non-traditional student

Tools & Techniques Students Loved

📅 Google Calendar

  • Most-used tool

  • Color-coded by class or task

  • Assignments entered week 1 with reminders

  • Some students marked items “complete” by changing them to gray

📓 Paper Planners + To-Do Lists

  • Popular for students who like to write things down

  • Some used two: one for school, one for everything else

⏰ Time Blocking

  • Assigning blocks of time for studying, rest, classes, and big projects

  • Helps avoid procrastination and reduces anxiety

  • Students used both digital and paper formats to time block

  • Apps like Motion automate time-blocking by integrating your calendar and to-do list

📵 Focus & Distraction Management

  • Opal: blocks distracting apps using your phone’s Screen Time settings

  • STEM Lab phone lockers: physical phone break

  • Pomodoro Method: 25 minutes of focus, 5-minute break

  • Focus Traveller: study companion app with a bear that climbs a mountain as you work

What About Study Hours?

You’ve probably heard the old rule: two hours of study for every hour in class. But students in our study reported very different realities. Some barely had time to keep up with their schoolwork due to work and family obligations. Others, like Beatriz, studied 25 hours a week. Jazmine said she spends almost all her time on school. The truth is: there’s no one formula. Find the rhythm that works for your life, and remember it will change week to week.

Try This:

  • During the first week of class, go through each syllabus and put all major assignments and exams into your calendar or planner.

  • Try time blocking—even just blocking an hour a day to study can help.

  • Test out Opal or Focus Traveller to reduce distractions while you work.

  • Don’t over-schedule. Block time for breaks and downtime, too.

  • Find your preferred system (digital, paper, or a mix), and stick with it through the semester. Small habits make a big difference.

📸 Want to share your system?

Do you color-code your calendar? Keep a beautiful bullet journal? Send us a photo of your planner or scheduling setup to inspire other students!