Student Blog: Time Management Tips and Tricks

Hello again, friends! I hope all of you are doing well! Here at UE, we are over halfway through the semester. In the midst of frequent homework, lots of projects, tech weeks, looming finals, and the summer beyond, it can all seem like a lot to handle. I am confident in the knowledge that I am not alone in the feeling of being over inundated with various things, from both my fellow peers at UET and you, readers. So, that said, I wanted to share with you various tips and tricks that have helped me manage my time in my first year of college.

One of my favorite and most helpful aides I have is my whiteboard calendar that is on the wall in my dorm room. In the last couple days of a month, I erase it and fill in the next month's days and all the events that I know I will have going on. As I am informed of tests, due dates, rehearsals, shows, etc, I add them to my calendar. Additionally, it has a notes column on the side, which I use as a to-do list. I keep track of all my assignments there and, as I complete them, I erase them.

In addition to the whiteboard that I use independently, UE as a whole uses Blackboard: a website that professors use to publish assignments, online assessments, homework, syllabi, and other digital resources necessary for class. There is a page on Blackboard that shows me all my upcoming due dates for assignments that are digitally assigned. For non-digital assignments, such as set elevations, paintings, posterboards, and other such items, I turn those in at class time and I use my other checklists to recall those due dates.

For rehearsal and show related assignments, which consist of primarily memorization of my lines and blocking, I make notes in my script as to the dates I need to be prepared. I write down blocking as I receive it and ensure that I am revisiting my notes as I memorize the show.

First and foremost, however, I do not overwork myself (or, at least, I try diligently to avoid it). While I do have the occasional weeknight where I'm up into the next day putting the finishing touches on a paper, I try to strategize my schedule to where I have time for class and rehearsals, intermingled with meal breaks and homework time. Also importantly, I do try to get at least 7 hours of sleep to make sure I remain energized enough to go through my day, which, during the week, begin at 8:00 AM and go until 10:30 PM. I have found importance in planning ahead and going over each morning what I have that day. For example, on Tuesdays: I need to be at Color and Design by 9:20 for class to begin at 9:30, I socialize with friends in the promenade of the theatre building from 10:30 to 10:50, then go to our department meeting, which starts at 11:00, etc. I go through my commitments for the day and set aside time where I will do homework, learn lines, or whatever needs to be done.

When it comes to managing time and managing it wisely, that the way I choose to go about it. That said, to each their own! The way I do it won't work for everyone, so I encourage exploration of what works for you! Thanks again for reading, friends, and I'll write to you soon!