As a hostel or private boarding school student, managing your time well is crucial to using your time well during your school years, for academic pursuits and non-academic ones, too. . It’s tempting to spend time with your classmates, or hostel mates having fun and ignoring your academics, but the time spent whiling away does not return.
Therefore, having a planned schedule allows you to focus on different parts of your daily life, in a hostel. With a little bit of planning and organisation, you can make the most of your time while also achieving your academic goals for the boards. Lack of time management can lead to stress, unnecessary pressure to finish homework, or worse, leave you with no time to prepare for exams..Often students tend to leave studying until the last minute. Typically, board examinations also come with the added stress of preparing for the next set of entrance exams. Time management then becomes the most critical tool for a student to acing it all.
8 friendly tips to manage your time effectively for board exams:
1. Create a schedule:
One of the most effective ways to manage your time is to create a schedule that outlines all of the activities. This can include classes, extracurricular activities, study time, and personal time. Having a schedule will help you stay organised and ensure that you have enough time for everything. When you study as per a schedule, you give yourself the gift of paced learning and relaxed preparations. You may need to edit, or amend the schedule a few times if you are new to the idea before finding one that works for you.
2. Set goals:
Identify your studying goals that you want to achieve and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will help you stay on track and make progress toward your goals. For example, if you have 2 hours to study each day, assign a particular day for a specific subject, and how you’d want to revise it each week. On a weekend, you can spend time diving into aspects of a subject that are not very clear and need more attention, or revisions.
3. Prioritise your tasks:
By identifying which subjects need more or less attention, you will also be able to break your schedule into a list of priorities. Based on how much effort, time, or revisions are needed, you can choose to dedicate more time to areas or prep work that’s urgent.
4. Avoid multitasking:
While it may seem like multitasking is an efficient way to get things done, it can actually be counterproductive. When you multitask, you split your attention between multiple tasks, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. Instead, focus on one task at a time and give it your full attention.
5. Take breaks:
It’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge. Taking breaks can help you stay energised and focused, and can even increase your productivity. Make sure to schedule breaks into your day as it can help reduce feelings of burnout and prevent mental fatigue, which will lead to increased motivation and productivity. Taking breaks can also give you the opportunity to engage in physical activity or hobbies, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
6. Use technology wisely:
Technology is a useful tool to help you manage your time, but it can also be a distraction if not used wisely. Use apps and tools that can help you stay organised and on track, but be mindful of how much time you spend on your phone or other devices. If you find yourself slacking in your weekly goals, it’s time to assess how you are spending your time and what activities are consuming more time than needed.
7. Get enough sleep:
Sleep is essential for good physical and mental health, and it’s also important for your productivity. Make sure to get enough sleep each night so that you can be focused, full of vitality, and can concentrate during the day without feeling tired. It’s tempting to sacrifice sleep for some fun, or social media, but this sleep deficit will have a negative and lasting impact on your physical and mental well-being.
8. Seek help when needed:
If you’re having trouble managing your time or achieving your goals, don’t be afraid to seek help. Talk to your teachers, counsellors, or other trusted adults for advice and support. If necessary, enlist your friends as study partners, or accountability partners to keep you on track. By having study partners, you will feel motivated to stick to your schedule, without feeling like you are missing out on the fun.
By following these tips, you can manage your time effectively as a board exam student and make the most of your time and opportunities. Remember, it takes time and practice to develop good time management skills, so be patient with yourself and don’t be afraid to make adjustments as needed. If you have never followed a schedule before, remember that it takes over 21 days to form a new habit. Stick to the schedule and amend it so it fits your habits, and natural behaviour well.