Artifact
The first few weeks of class can feel overwhelming. You’re handed your syllabi and suddenly need to think ahead for the entire term. The good news is there are plenty of strategies and tools to help you stay on track. Your future self will thank you for planning ahead!
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite strategies and tools to help you get started. Want more personalised advice? Drop by the Mentoring Centre and chat with a student mentor; we’re happy to help!

P.S. Short on time? Scroll to the bottom for a quick summary!

Strategies

  • Use a Planner (Digital or Paper)

Trying to juggle multiple classes, assignments, exams, and readings is a daunting task. Using a planner, either digital or paper, can be a huge help! Start by adding all the key dates from your syllabi, along with your class schedule. This way, you won’t have to keep everything in your head.  Whether you prefer daily, weekly, or monthly views, planners help you stay organized and reduce stress.

  • Use Your Zombies

Yes, zombies, but not the ones that want to eat your brain.  “Habit zombies” are routines you build to take care of recurring tasks automatically. By turning small tasks into habits, you free up mental space for learning and studying.

Start by writing lists of these small tasks (e.g., doing the dishes, tidying up, getting some exercise, etc.) when they come to mind. The night before it needs to be done, put it on a to-do list for the next day. As that becomes routine, completing them will be too! By noting these tasks down so they're out of your mind and letting your "habit zombies" take care of them, you free up valuable working memory space. 

  • Break Down Goals and Tasks

Sometimes when planning out the things you want to complete, the overall task or goal can be too large or daunting to write out as one item. Try breaking down those larger items into smaller ones!  Instead of “finish essay”, try breaking it down into smaller chunks, like “outline essay”, “write intro” or “find sources”.  Then, looking at what you need to do might feel less stressful.  Planning out the amount of time each task will take can be easier when it is smaller.  Also, crossing off many small tasks gives you a great boost of motivation!

  • Time Blocking

Time blocking means assigning specific chunks of time to specific tasks. For example, you might block 1 to 3 p.m. for class readings, 3 to 4 p.m. for exercise and 4 to 6 p.m. for working on an assignment. This helps you stay focused and realistic on what you can achieve in a day. You can use your planner or calendar app to set these blocks.  Try time-block planning one day or one week in advance to see what works best for you and adjust as needed.

Tools: 

This helpful website (also available as an app) breaks down larger tasks into more manageable chunks for you and can even estimate time required!

  • Calendar Apps

Tools like Google Calendar or Outlook are great for time blocking and setting reminders. You can even colour-code your classes, study time, and personal activities.

  • To-Do List Apps

Use the ones built into your device or try these two below for added planning functions!

  1. Todoist
  2. Remember the Milk
     
  • Planner Apps


Your devices and Microsoft Office have one built in, but if you're looking for one to personalize, which has other functions integrated, try  Planner Pro or Structured
 

Conclusion

Planning and time management aren’t about doing everything perfectly.  They’re about giving yourself the tools to feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Whether you’re using a planner, building habit zombies, or trying out time blocking, the key is to find what works for you.

Remember, your plan doesn’t have to be perfect. Adjusting as you go is part of the process!

And if you ever feel stuck or unsure where to start, the Mentoring Centre is here to help. Drop by and chat with a student mentor.  We’d love to support you on your journey!
 

TL;DR

  • Planning and time management can make your life easier
  • Use a planner
  • Create habit zombies and use them for recurring tasks
  • Break down tasks and goals to make them less overwhelming
  • Try time-block planning to stay focused
  • Try using Goblin Tools, calendar apps, to-do list apps, and planner apps to help with your planning and time management
     

Bibliography:

Jiang, D. (2020, May 10). Learning how to learn: The applied lessons. Medium. https://daniel-jiang.medium.com/learning-how-to-learn-the-applied-lessons-5118c6ce86fc