This workshop was originally produced at the

This workshop discusses the basic principles of effective time management and selforganisation at university, including:
• Getting organised – setting up filing systems and work spaces
• Making study timetables and termly work schedules
• Getting better informed – what information do you need, and where can you find it?

How is it different?
• You are expected to be independent – in your thinking, and your organisation. No-one will organise your study time for you, or remind you when things are late!
• Lots of commitments which need to be balanced
• New ideas and processes = more time needed
• Maybe getting to grips with new living situations?

What can help you to manage your time?
Work in pairs:
• Consider which you think works best when managing your time – diaries or wall planners?
• Write down up to three things in favour of each and three things against
• Swap sheet with another pair
• Feedback responses to the whole group

What do you need to think about?
• A weekly timetable including study times
• A simple filing system
• A comfortable and appropriate place to work
• A work schedule for the term
• Where to find the information you need
• Who can provide support if you need it

What do you need to include?
• Start with lectures, seminars, tutorials and lab times
• Add regular commitments (work, meetings, clubs etc)
• Book in some times for independent study – use your best times for concentrating where possible
• Don’t book yourself up 24/7! Keep some times for not studying (e.g. socialising, chores, keeping fit etc)

Mon
Tues
Wed
Fri
Sat
Sun
Before 9.00
Swim
Thurs Swim
9.00-11.00
Lecture: Myth
10-11 PB 101
Work in library
11-12
Independent study
Seminar: Rome
9-10 HUM15
Independent study 10-11
Independent study
11.00-13.00
Lecture: Rome
12-1 HUM44
Independent study
Independent study
Independent study
Lecture: Epic 9-
10 PB 105
Seminar: Epic
10-11 URS21
Paid work
Independent study
Paid work
14.00-15.00
Keep free
Badminton 2-3
15.00-17.00
Seminar: Myth
3-4 URS21
Lecture: Myth 2-
3 PB101
Work in library
3-4
Lecture: Rome 4-
5 HUM44
Film soc
Independent study
(Out with friends)
Paid work Paid work
Independent study
After 19.00
Independent study
Lecture: Epic 4-5
PB105
Badminton 3-4 (Union night)
(Out with friends)
Make to-do list for next week

Setting up a filing system
• Make it simple – if it’s complicated, you won’t use it
• Aim to be able to file it quickly and find it quickly
• Use box files or magazine holders to store documents, notes, small books etc – label clearly
• Use document folders to transport what you need each day - empty and repack these regularly!

What do you need to think about?
• Work at home or in library? Are there any other alternatives?
• What will work best for you? (Where are you least likely to be distracted? Will you be able to take everything you need if you work away from home?)
• Can you make enough space so you don’t have to keep moving things while you’re working?
• Make yourself comfortable – but not too comfortable!

How to fit it all in
• Use a grid – work back from your deadlines to when you think you need to start work
• Make a separate list of tasks for each assignment or task, then fit the tasks into the time you have to do them
• If your assignments are all due at the same time, set your own deadlines to stagger them
• Remember: word counts and deadlines set the scope of the assignment - don’t try to do more than is expected!

Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
5 th century Athens Greek myth
Start reading for presentation
Write & give seminar presentation (for Wed)
Homer and epic Notes
Start reading for essay and commentary
Start reading for essay Write commentary for epic - due Friday
Mum’s birthday - go home Friday
Write first draft of essay
Start reading for essay and presentation
Write first draft of essay
Write first draft of essay
Revise essay and fill in gaps – finish this week?
Write & give seminar presentation (for Wed)
Essay due Friday Revise essay and fill in gaps – essay due Friday
Revise essay and fill in gaps – essay due Friday
Hall Social Thursday night - get essays finished early!

What you need to know and how to find it
• Independent study means working out what you need to know and where you will find it
• What information do you need to study effectively and successfully?
• How would you find that information?
• Fill in the worksheet – complete any gaps after the workshop

For guides and exercises on all aspects of time management www.learnhigher.ac.uk/learningareas/timemanagement/home.htm
The LearnHigher network brings together the expertise and experience of 16 universities to produce research-informed support for study practices. www.learnhigher.ac.uk