How to Get Involved!
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Looking for ways to get involved on campus? From clubs and events to work-study and athletics, students share how they found their people and where you can start.
Student Tips: Time Management
Starting college is an exciting, but often overwhelming, new chapter in your life. One of the biggest challenges you鈥檒l face is figuring out how to manage it all. Between classes, clubs, jobs, and social life, it鈥檚 easy to feel stretched thin. But don鈥檛 worry! You鈥檙e not alone. I was once in the same boat, wondering how I could possibly balance everything. Over time, I discovered strategies that helped me create a healthier work-life balance, and I鈥檓 here to share them with you.
Take a deep breath, and check out these friendly tips to help you manage your 24 hours a little better.
What Works for Me
This may sound clich茅, but it truly works. Whether you prefer a paper planner or an online tool like Google Calendar, organizing your schedule is key. Personally, I rely on a physical planner to jot down my daily tasks and keep myself grounded. I also use Google Calendar to stay on track digitally and to let my family know when I鈥檓 available. In addition, I use Notion to timestamp tasks and organize my to-do lists. While Notion offers far more features, I鈥檝e found that even its simplest tools make a huge difference.
This may sound clich茅, but it truly works. Whether you prefer a paper planner or an online tool like Google Calendar, organizing your schedule is key. Personally, I rely on a physical planner to jot down my daily tasks and keep myself grounded. I also use Google Calendar to stay on track digitally and to let my family know when I鈥檓 available. In addition, I use Notion to timestamp tasks and organize my to-do lists. While Notion offers far more features, I鈥檝e found that even its simplest tools make a huge difference.
College assignments can feel overwhelming. What you think will take an hour may stretch into days. The trick is to break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if you鈥檙e working on 鈥淩eflection 3,鈥� start by reading the first article, then move on to the second, and finally, respond to the questions. Once the work is broken down, that mountain you were worried about suddenly becomes a series of small, doable hills.
College assignments can feel overwhelming. What you think will take an hour may stretch into days. The trick is to break down large projects into smaller, manageable steps. For instance, if you鈥檙e working on 鈥淩eflection 3,鈥� start by reading the first article, then move on to the second, and finally, respond to the questions. Once the work is broken down, that mountain you were worried about suddenly becomes a series of small, doable hills.
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple but effective way to study and complete tasks. You work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. During breaks, I like to watch TikToks, switch to a different activity, or just step away from my desk. After a few rounds, I often adjust the timing to 30 minutes of focused work followed by a 7-minute break. The beauty of this method is its flexibility鈥攜ou can adapt it until it fits your personal rhythm.
The Pomodoro Technique is a simple but effective way to study and complete tasks. You work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. During breaks, I like to watch TikToks, switch to a different activity, or just step away from my desk. After a few rounds, I often adjust the timing to 30 minutes of focused work followed by a 7-minute break. The beauty of this method is its flexibility鈥攜ou can adapt it until it fits your personal rhythm.
Every day, identify the three most important tasks that must be completed by the end of the day. No matter how long your to-do list is, those three come first. Once they鈥檙e done, you can move on to everything else. This method keeps you focused on what truly matters instead of getting lost in endless smaller tasks.
Every day, identify the three most important tasks that must be completed by the end of the day. No matter how long your to-do list is, those three come first. Once they鈥檙e done, you can move on to everything else. This method keeps you focused on what truly matters instead of getting lost in endless smaller tasks.
Multitasking feels productive, but it鈥檚 actually the opposite. Trying to watch Netflix while writing a paper or texting while reading only slows you down. Instead, create an environment that supports focus. For me, putting on lo-fi beats or classical music works wonders because it keeps me in the zone without distracting me.
Multitasking feels productive, but it鈥檚 actually the opposite. Trying to watch Netflix while writing a paper or texting while reading only slows you down. Instead, create an environment that supports focus. For me, putting on lo-fi beats or classical music works wonders because it keeps me in the zone without distracting me.
College schedules are unpredictable. Professors might add assignments, clubs may host events, or friends could invite you out last minute. Instead of panicking when plans change, build in flex time. Aim to complete assignments a day or two before they鈥檙e due. That way, if something unexpected comes up, you鈥檒l still be ahead of schedule and stress-free.
College schedules are unpredictable. Professors might add assignments, clubs may host events, or friends could invite you out last minute. Instead of panicking when plans change, build in flex time. Aim to complete assignments a day or two before they鈥檙e due. That way, if something unexpected comes up, you鈥檒l still be ahead of schedule and stress-free.
You don鈥檛 have to manage everything on your own. Le Moyne offers excellent support systems such as the Quantitative Reasoning Center (QRC) and the Writing Center. The tutors and staff there can help you work through challenging material, strengthen your skills, and reduce the stress of tackling assignments alone.
You don鈥檛 have to manage everything on your own. Le Moyne offers excellent support systems such as the Quantitative Reasoning Center (QRC) and the Writing Center. The tutors and staff there can help you work through challenging material, strengthen your skills, and reduce the stress of tackling assignments alone.
Time management isn鈥檛 just about productivity鈥攊t鈥檚 also about protecting your well-being. When you get caught up in assignments, it鈥檚 easy to forget about yourself. Make time to step away from work and focus on activities that bring you joy, whether that鈥檚 reading, painting, hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite show. Prioritizing self-care prevents burnout and helps you stay balanced in the long run.
Time management isn鈥檛 just about productivity鈥攊t鈥檚 also about protecting your well-being. When you get caught up in assignments, it鈥檚 easy to forget about yourself. Make time to step away from work and focus on activities that bring you joy, whether that鈥檚 reading, painting, hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite show. Prioritizing self-care prevents burnout and helps you stay balanced in the long run.
College is full of opportunities, challenges, and change. With the right tools and habits, you can take control of your time and thrive both academically and personally. Remember: balance is key, and you deserve to succeed and enjoy the journey.
College is full of opportunities, challenges, and change. With the right tools and habits, you can take control of your time and thrive both academically and personally. Remember: balance is key, and you deserve to succeed and enjoy the journey.
By Legende McGrath聽 鈥�26, president of Le Moyne鈥檚 Student Government Association (SGA)
Not sure which campus resources to use (or when to use them)? From tutoring and advising to academic support, students share what helped them stay on track鈥攁nd where to start.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just off? Here鈥檚 how Le Moyne supports your mental, physical, and emotional well-being so you can stay balanced and take care of yourself.
How to Get Involved!
Category
Looking for ways to get involved on campus? From clubs and events to work-study and athletics, students share how they found their people and where you can start.
Not sure which campus resources to use (or when to use them)? From tutoring and advising to academic support, students share what helped them stay on track鈥攁nd where to start.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just off? Here鈥檚 how Le Moyne supports your mental, physical, and emotional well-being so you can stay balanced and take care of yourself.
