Calendar with due date circled (Louise Ineson)
By Louise Ineson
As we reach further into the spring semester and class assignments are starting to pile up, due dates from all over the academic spectrum- lab reports, tests, projects, papers and readings, begin to overlap with one another. It can be hard to keep up with an increasing demand of work, especially when burnout begins to affect students at the upcoming halfway mark. Having struggled with managing time for studying and the overwhelm of overdue assignments myself, I have compiled the six main tricks I use to prevent falling behind, as well as how to manage catching up when it does happen.
- Switching up your scenery: Have you ever heard the phrase “don’t work where you sleep?” I’ve found the same logic applies to working in any space that’s “too comfortable.” Despite having a work desk at home, I am rarely able to concentrate from there as the environment is closer associated with rest than it is productivity. A change of location from the comfort of home, whether to any of the quiet study places on campus, a public library or a local cafe can be conducive to focus and progress, allowing you to get through your workload without distraction.
- Organizing your workflow: When confronted with several assignments due at the same time, or even past their due dates, it can be difficult to find a place to start when overwhelmed. When sitting down, I often first create a list of exactly what work has to be completed in that sitting, preferably on paper where I can see it without picking up a device. Not only does this provide a sense of order that combats the disorganization of overwhelming assignments, but there is a sense of accomplishment afforded by crossing off each item when finished.
- Compiling your schedule: If you find yourself frustrated with Moodle or lose track of due dates spread out between several different tabs, it may be helpful to map out deadlines and other important dates on a calendar. It doesn’t have to be filled in for a whole semester either, even noting down which projects and tests are due on a monthly or weekly basis affords you access to assignment reminders in one place, and the foresight to plan in advance.
- Giving yourself a break: Ultimately, when you find yourself at a block or unable to focus, the best strategy to ensure you’re able to function at your best can simply be to walk away and return later. Even when work is overdue, it is much less efficient to sit down and be unable to work at all than to allow yourself time to re-energize and come back when you’re in the best position to focus.
- Finding what works: The single most helpful thing you can do for yourself to get the most out of your studying is to find what medium works best for you. The same methods won’t help everyone equally, which is why it’s so important for students to learn what fits their needs best. Trial and error has taught me that I best organize my thoughts and commit ideas to memory if I write them down with pen and paper rather than a notes app or on a Google Doc.
- Communicating with your professor: Sometimes the best thing you can do to manage overwhelming assignments and burnout is to communicate with your professors and ask for help.
For students who are unsure how to find the best methods that work for them, 4Cs professor Daniel Shea is hosting a workshop on proper studying, note taking and test taking strategies via Zoom on Feb. 19, March 12, and April 23. An RSVP link will be sent to every student’s 4Cs email.
