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Let’s be real – life as a creative or technology student is packed. You’ve got classes, projects, a side hustle, a personal life and about a million ideas in your head at once. With all that going on, it can feel like there’s no way to keep up. But here’s a little secret: the students who stay calm under pressure? They’ve figured out how to work with their time, not against it.
If you’re ready to beat the rush, dodge the stress and keep the creativity flowing, we’ve got some time management tips for students to keep you going strong.
Procrastination: Why We Stall (and How to Stop)
Procrastination is the classic enemy of productivity, especially when you’re in a creative field. Whether it’s one more episode, a “quick” scroll on TikTok or waiting for the “perfect” moment to ‘just make’, it happens to all of us.
Here’s why it might be sneaking up on you:
- Fear of failure – Sometimes, the idea of starting feels overwhelming. What if you don’t do well? Spoiler alert: just getting started is already a win.
- Perfectionism – Waiting for the “perfect” moment or idea? Newsflash: it doesn’t exist. Start scrappy; you can polish it later.
- Distraction central – Phones, friends, snacks … you name it. Build a space that helps you focus.
Start with the Tough Stuff
This one’s all about “eating the frog” – tackling the hardest thing on your list first. No actual frogs involved, don’t worry! Just get that one big thing done early in the day, so everything else feels easy in comparison.
Maybe you’re working on a big project for your Bachelor of Film or Associate Degree of Computer Science course. Breaking down your tasks will help make even the most complex assignments feel more manageable.
Build a Flexible Study Schedule
When it comes to tips for time management, you don’t need a by-the-minute study plan. It’s more like a loose roadmap to help you get where you want to go without getting lost. For students in creative courses like Bachelor of Animation or Diploma of Graphic Design, creating a balanced plan will ensure you can meet deadlines while still having time to focus on your creative process.
Here’s a way to create a laid-back study plan:
- Visualise your week – Use an app or planner to plot out classes, projects and free time.
- Tackle the big stuff first – Got a huge deadline coming up? Break it down into smaller tasks and spread them out to avoid that all-nighter.
- Try time-blocking – The Pomodoro Technique is worth a shot: focus hard for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After four rounds, reward yourself with a longer break.
And don’t forget – stay on top of important academic dates by checking out the academic calendars. It’ll help you keep track of key milestones throughout the year so you never miss a beat.
Did you know SAE’s Learning Services can help with time management tips? Learning Advisors are available to support students with personalised advice on everything from planning a study schedule to managing assessments. But that’s not all – SAE is ranked #1 in learner engagement and student support, so if you ever need extra help, the Student Services Coordinators are your first point of contact for orientation, enrolment, and other important matters. You can also reach out to Student Support Advisors for academic or personal support or explore Counselling Services if you’re dealing with stress or other mental health concerns.
Find out more about SAE’s Student Services.
Time Management Apps to Try
Being organised isn’t just about a clean desk (although it helps). These apps and tools are packed with great features and can help you nail time management tips for students, making it easier to stay organised and on top of everything.
Some fan favourites:
- Todoist – Organise your to-dos all in one place. There’s something so satisfying about ticking things off.
- Habitica – Gamify your tasks! Earn rewards and level up as you check off items on your list.
- Forest – Watch a tree grow as you focus. If you leave the app, the tree dies – motivation to stay off your phone.
- Trello – Got a group project? Trello makes it super easy to keep everyone on track and keep the project moving forward.
Maximise Your Gaps
Whether it’s 30 minutes between classes or a long train ride, every little bit of time counts. It’s all about matching the task to the time you’ve got. Here’s how:
- 30–45 minutes: Go over class notes, brainstorm ideas or rough out an outline.
- 45 minutes–2 hours: Get into a draft or complete some heavy reading.
- 2+ hours: Time for deep work. Work on that big project or assignment and knock out a chunk of it.
And remember, break time is crucial for keeping your focus and creativity strong.
Take Breaks
Look, we know it’s tempting to keep going, especially if you’re on a roll, but cramming non-stop can make your brain feel fried. Real rest actually helps you work better in the long run.
Recharge by:
- Sleeping – Skimping on sleep only makes it harder to stay sharp.
- Moving around – Even a quick stretch or walk can wake up your mind.
- Unplugging – Step away from screens for a bit. It’ll give your brain a fresh start.
Be Ready to Pivot
Time management strategies for students isn’t about sticking to one strict study plan. It’s more about setting yourself up to roll with whatever comes your way.
- Leave buffer time for random last-minute stuff.
- Reassess when things pop up – if something urgent comes up, see what can be shifted around.
- Protect your focus – sometimes you’ve just got to say no to keep your study schedule on track.
Own Your Study Schedule and Level Up Your Creativity
Time management strategies for students is less about a rigid routine and more about creating habits that keep you moving forward. Once you find the time management tips that work for you, you’ll feel more organised, less stressed and ready to focus on what you actually love.
So, what are you waiting for? Set up a study plan, try out some new apps, and let us know how these time management tips for students work for you! You’ve got this.
