What to use to plan my time?

One Reply to “What to use to plan my time?”

1. Planning your time effectively is a critical aspect of succeeding in any academic undertaking, especially as you embark on your degree. Choosing between digital apps and physical planners is a personal decision that often depends on your individual needs, preferences, and study habits. Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed choice:

   Digital Tools

   1. Time Management Apps:
   – Trello or Asana: Both of these project management tools can help you organize tasks based on due dates, subjects, or projects. They allow collaboration if you’re working on group assignments, and you can set deadlines and reminders to keep yourself accountable.
   – Todoist: This is a straightforward task management app that allows you to prioritize tasks and set up recurring deadlines, perfect for coursework and assignments.
   – Google Calendar: Ideal for scheduling lectures, study sessions, and important deadlines. You can set reminders and sync it across your devices so you’ll always have access to your schedule.

   2. Note-taking Applications:
   – Notion: This versatile app can be used for note-taking, task management, and even tracking your assignments. Its custom templates can be tailored to your particular study needs.
   – Evernote: This app excels at gathering research and notes, allowing you to organize everything in one place, which is great for reviewing exam materials.

   Physical Planners

   1. Daily/Weekly Planners:
   – Investing in a well-structured planner allows you to write down your tasks and deadlines, providing a tangible way to visualize your time management. Look for features like monthly overviews, weekly layouts, and spaces for notes and goals.
   – Planners with built-in goal-setting sections can inspire you to set both short-term and long-range academic goals.

   2. Bullet Journals:
   – A bullet journal offers flexibility and can be adapted to your liking. You can create your layouts, whether that’s to track assignments, to-do lists, or even habits. The creative aspect might make planning more enjoyable.

   Combining Approaches

   Hybrid Method:
   Many students find a hybrid approach works best—using a digital application for flexibility and reminders, while maintaining a physical planner for daily tasks, priorities, and note-taking.

   Additional Tips

   • Set Regular Review Sessions: Regardless of what tool you choose, make it a habit to review your planner weekly. This helps you stay updated with upcoming deadlines and reassess your workload.
   • Utilize the Pomodoro Technique: This time management technique involves working in focused bursts (usually 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. Many apps can help you track this, or you can simply time it with your phone.
   • Look for University Resources: Many universities offer their own planning tools and resources, such as the “OU planner” you mentioned, which may not be easily found online. Check your university website, student services, or academic advising office; they might offer specific planners or recommend helpful tools tailored for your coursework.

   Ultimately, the best planning tool is one that you will use consistently. Try a few different methods to see which works best for your lifestyle and study habits. Good luck with your degree!

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