Students blog

As a first-year freshman, time management has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve had to improve on. Not only was adjusting to a heavy-loaded schedule a new experience for me but also balancing it with a remote job like the one I’m lucky to have with Pearson made it even tougher. As incoming freshmen, setting aside time for certain tasks can be difficult since we’re used to having our school schedules dictated for us in high school. I was one of those people who thought time management was easy, but as the days went on, I quickly realized how easy it is to fall behind. Here, I want to show how I’ve managed my school, work, and personal time over these past two semesters as a college student.

My week really starts on Sunday. That’s when I get a preview of what’s ahead for the week. I begin by checking my Pearson email (which is something I always make sure to do), then I check my school email. After that, I go through Canvas to see if I have any upcoming quizzes or tests. If I do, I start reviewing that subject the same day. To get ahead, I also try to complete at least one assignment from each class on Sunday so I have more flexibility during the week. The first step to managing your time is knowing what’s ahead!

My schedule is structured around waking up between 4:00-5:00 a.m. Monday through Friday for physical training with the Ranger Challenge team. This plays a huge role in how I go about my day because it determines my sleep schedule. Sleep is something college students often overlook, but when days become stressful and exhausting, it’s what keeps you going. Luckily, most of my classes don’t start until 9:00 a.m. (except for my lab on Wednesdays), so I use that extra time in the morning to study and complete assignments. Before my daily class block, I also check my emails to make sure there’s nothing urgent I need to take care of. I’ll be honest—I usually take a quick nap after physical training, but I make sure not to overdo it, so I still have time to get work done.

My school day usually ends between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m., and after that, I make the smart decision to prioritize some personal time—by hitting the gym. Depending on the day, I’m there until about 4:00-5:00 p.m. After that, I have dinner while checking my emails, reviewing Canvas, and studying until about 8:00 p.m. I then give myself some free time before heading to bed around 9:00-9:30 p.m., after, of course, showering from the gym.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect blueprint for time management. As college students, we all get caught up in fun activities outside of schoolwork, and that’s okay. The key is making sure you leave enough room to complete your assignments and job responsibilities. Sleep is just as important, and staying ahead of your schedule helps you prepare for the unexpected.

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In today’s hyper-connected age, staying focused has become more challenging than ever. With constant notifications, emails, and social media updates vying for our attention, it is easy to lose sight of our priorities. It also does not help that we always carry the internet in our pocket. However, with the right strategies, you can reclaim your focus and navigate the digital world with intention.

The Impact of Digital Distractions

Our brains are wired to seek entertainment and past time, making digital distractions incredibly appealing. Each notification triggers a dopamine release, reinforcing our habit of checking our devices. A constant state of distraction takes a toll on productivity, creativity, and mental well-being. Studies show that it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, underscoring the importance of managing distractions effectively.

Understanding the Cost of Multitasking

Multitasking often feels productive, but research proves otherwise. When we switch between tasks, our brains expend extra energy refocusing, leading to decreased efficiency and more mistakes. Single tasking, which is fully focusing on one task at a time, not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of your work.

Decluttering Your Digital Environment

One of the first steps to regaining focus is minimizing digital clutter. Start by turning off non-essential notifications to reduce interruptions. Productivity tools can help block distracting apps and websites. Additionally, organizing your desktop and app layout can create a more serene and functional workspace.

Building Focus-Enhancing Habits

Developing habits that enhance focus is crucial. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method, which is working in short, timed intervals with breaks in between, can significantly boost productivity. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, train the brain to resist distractions. Scheduled breaks are equally important, as they prevent burnout and help maintain long-term focus.

Setting Boundaries with Technology

Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining focus. Consider implementing digital detox practices, such as creating no-tech zones in your home or setting specific times to unplug. Many smartphones offer app limits or focus modes that restrict usage during work hours. These boundaries help you regain control over your time and attention.

The Role of Your Physical Environment

Your physical environment plays a critical role in your ability to focus. Design a workspace that minimizes distractions by keeping it clean and organized. Noise-canceling headphones or white noise apps can help block out external distractions, allowing you to concentrate fully on your tasks.

Developing Long-Term Focus Skills

Strengthening your attention span takes time and consistency. Start by engaging in activities that require sustained focus, such as reading or solving puzzles. Practicing digital mindfulness, which is being aware of your tech usage and making intentional changes, can also help. Celebrate small victories as you notice improvements in your ability to concentrate.

The Benefits of a Focused Mind

The rewards of improved focus are immense. Greater productivity, deeper creativity, and enhanced emotional well-being are just a few of the benefits. By mastering the art of focus, you can achieve your goals more effectively and experience a more fulfilling personal and professional life. In a world designed to distract, focus is your superpower.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your attention and thrive in an increasingly digital landscape. Remember, focus is not just a skill, it is a practice that requires consistency and dedication.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Any mid-term or finals week can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can tackle it effortlessly! Success usually begins with a solid plan, so begin by mapping out your week in advance. Create a schedule that breaks your days into blocks dedicated to specific subjects, study sessions, breaks, meals, and most importantly sleep. You can use a planner, a whiteboard, or apps like Google Calendar or Notion to help yourself stay organized during this busy week. The key to achieving a structured plan is to set realistic goals for each session. This can help ensure you know exactly what needs to be accomplished. A well-thought-out plan not only keeps you on track but also reduces the urge to procrastinate, as it eliminates the uncertainty of where to start.

Once you’ve got a plan, make your study sessions are as efficient as possible by using the Pomodoro Technique. This simple, yet effective method involves setting a timer for 25 minutes and focusing on one task without distraction. When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break to stretch, hydrate, or relax before starting the next cycle. After completing four cycles, reward yourself with a longer 15-30 minute break. This technique helps break the monotony of studying and boosts focus by working in manageable chunks of time. It’s a great way to keep your energy and motivation high throughout your study session.

In addition to managing your time, focus on improving how you absorb and retain information. Instead of passively reviewing notes or highlighting textbooks, try active recall—a proven method to enhance memory. Actively test yourself on key concepts by creating flashcards, writing down practice questions, or explaining the material to a friend (or even your pet). This effort to retrieve information strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to recall the material during the exam.

Finally, set yourself up for success by creating a study environment that promotes focus. Choose a quiet, organized space with minimal distractions. Clear away clutter, ensure the lighting is good, and keep essentials like water or snacks nearby so you don’t interrupt your flow. Leave your phone in another room or use productivity apps like Forest to prevent distractions. A dedicated study space trains your brain to associate that area with focus, making it easier to get into the groove of studying.

By combining the Pomodoro Technique, active recall, and a distraction-free study space, you can study more efficiently and reduce procrastination. Remember to take care of yourself with regular breaks, healthy meals, and plenty of sleep. With preparation and consistency, you’ll not only survive mid-terms, you’ll conquer them!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Recently, I have found my time management skills slipping out of my grasp, which was a new issue for me. I have always taken pride in how I manage my time, allowing work, school, and personal life to all have their separate sections of my life. However, the past few months have been overly scheduled, and it was all from my doing. It feels like everything has been piling up at once—work demands, school deadlines, and social obligations. It is like juggling too many balls at once and slowly starting to drop a few. Here are a few ways I have learned to manage my time better, allowing myself to not only be productive but also manage my stress more effectively.

I currently attend school full-time, and that is at the top of my priority list. I have always been on top of assignments, completing those days if not weeks ahead of time. It was a sense of pride for me to be ahead of the game. Recently, it has been more like hours if not minutes ahead. Procrastination has sneaked in more often, leaving me stressed at the last minute. To tackle this, I created myself a “school schedule.” Many of my classes are online, so I decided to set aside 12 hours per week on my calendar to either sit in the library, coffee shop, or my office to focus on schoolwork. By having set hours aside for my studies, I was able to plan less important events around my schoolwork, cutting the stress of completing assignments on time. Now that I know exactly when I will be tackling my homework, I feel more in control and less anxious about deadlines creeping up on me.

Work comes second to school for me, yet it seemed like it was taking up all my time. Aside from being a Pearson Campus Ambassador, I also have an in-person job in my local area. My work schedule fluctuates heavily, which leads to a lot of stress when it comes to planning around it. I would find myself scrambling to balance everything, unsure of where to fit in personal time or activities I enjoy. However, by changing my mindset around work, I was able to manage my time better. I decided to put my work schedule into my calendar and open areas around it for time to do things that helped me, like walking, running, cooking, and journaling. Please, I even put in “getting coffee with so-and-so" in my calendar if I made coffee plans with a friend. The key was realizing that my personal time matters just as much as my professional one. By having everything laid out in front of me, I could easily plan things around work and school, leading to less chaos and more balance.

Lastly, I learned the value of saying no. I am very much a people pleaser, but I need to value myself and my time, as well. I found myself constantly agreeing with events or tasks, even when I was already stretched thin. If I had a good bit of prior commitments for the week and a friend asked if I could tag along for something, I would say no but suggest something else on another day. I love hanging out with my friends as it is a great stress reliever in my life, but once it begins to cause my stress, it needs to be changed. By simply saying “no, but” I took control over my personal time, allowing myself to keep company with myself more often, which has helped me. It is a practice in self-care, and the more I do it, the easier it becomes to balance my obligations without feeling overwhelmed.

In summary, managing time is an ongoing challenge, but by creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and setting boundaries, I have learned to manage both my workload and my stress more effectively. Whether it is carving out dedicated study time, organizing work commitments, or giving myself permission to say "no," each step has contributed to a better balance in my life. It is all about being mindful of where I spend my time and ensuring I am taking care of myself along the way. Time management is not checking off tasks—it is about creating space for what really matters.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I came into college searching for a way to feel connected to my university. One way I did that was by joining the women's club soccer team. Being involved in a club sport through my college career has been a crucial part of my story. It has challenged me in a multitude of ways while also bringing me immense joy and strong friendships. Early on, I faced a few difficulties as a student athlete. Here’s how I learned to better approach the challenges and find the community and fulfillment that comes from being a part of a sports team or any other club on your campus.

One of the most challenging aspects of being a student athlete is finding enough time in the day. During the soccer season I constantly am battling to find that balance between caring for my body by getting enough rest and food while completing all my work and activities. After four years of struggling with this my conclusion is there is no perfect balance. However, there is a great time management tool I found extremely helpful to get me closer to a balance in some way. The Pomodoro technique has helped me be productive during the time I do have and to eliminate wasted breaks. This technique is centered around creating time segments of extreme focus with frequent short breaks which promotes high concentration levels and minimizes mental fatigue. The technique is used by setting a 25-minute timer, for that time you are 100% laser focused allowing nothing to pull you from your work, then take a 5-minute break doing anything you’d like, now repeat this pattern until you have completed your tasks.

Another battle student-athletes face is over committing and spreading themselves too thin. As a student athlete I am aware that a lot of athletes seek a challenge and hold themselves to a high standard in all aspects of their lives. From my personal experience I also understand that this can lead to extreme burn out and lead to a downhill slide. As I progressed through my college career, I learned a crucial lesson that all athletes should value. Burnout is the result of taking on a ton of commitments and work that you do not truly believe in or have a passion for. When deciding to say yes or no to opportunities, pause, and check if this option is truly something you believe in and would get joy out of doing. Make sure you narrow down your commitment to focus on passions and activities you believe will help you grow. Do not say yes solely for another person.

Although being a student-athlete can be exhausting and challenging to balance with the chaos of college life it can be an incredible way to keep yourself accountable to rest your mind and body from studying, help you to meet students outside of your major, and provide you with lifelong memories with your sport and team.

In summary, being a highly involved college student, specifically through a sport, comes with a lot of challenges however is an amazing way to truly make the best of your college years and to look back with little regrets.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Are you finding it challenging to juggle your assignments, deadlines, and extracurricular activities in college? Don't worry, you're not alone! In this blog post, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a curated list of apps that are designed to streamline your life and boost your productivity. Whether you're a freshman just starting out or a seasoned senior, these tools will help you stay organized and focused throughout the semester.

Task Management Apps

1. Todoist: This intuitive task manager allows you to create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks. With features like recurring tasks and productivity tracking, Todoist helps you stay on top of your assignments and projects effortlessly.

2. Asana: Ideal for group projects and collaborative work, Asana lets you assign tasks, set due dates, and communicate with team members seamlessly. Its project timelines and progress tracking features are perfect for managing complex assignments.

Note-Taking and Organization

3. Notion: A versatile workspace app that allows you to create customized databases, Kanban boards, and note pages. Notion adapts to your workflow, making it ideal for both personal organization and collaborative projects.

4. GoodNotes: For those who prefer digital handwriting, GoodNotes allows you to take handwritten notes, annotate PDFs, and organize your notebooks digitally. It's perfect for keeping your lecture notes and study materials in one place.

Study Schedulers

5. Google Calendar: Keep track of your classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities with Google Calendar. Sync across devices and set reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline or important event.

6. Trello: Organize your study schedule and track your progress with Trello's boards, lists, and cards. It's perfect for visual learners who want to see their tasks and goals at a glance.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

7. Headspace: Take care of your mental well-being with Headspace, a meditation and mindfulness app. Quick guided sessions can help you unwind after a long study session and improve your focus for the next task.

These apps are not just tools; they will help you navigate the challenges of college life more effectively. Whether you need to manage your assignments, organize your notes, create study schedules, or maintain a healthy work-life balance, there's an app here to suit your needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Transform your college experience with these powerful productivity tools and pave the way for academic success and personal growth. Embrace technology to streamline your life and make the most out of every moment in college!

Here's to a productive and successful semester ahead!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As I reflect on my time in college, a significant difference I noticed from high school was the lack of structure in college classes. As an unprepared freshman, I quickly realized that most of the responsibility that came with classes lay within us students. With more professors adopting asynchronous and attendance-optional courses, college students are becoming more responsible for establishing a system to manage everyday obligations. Here’s the approach I have developed to managing time on as a college student.

The first thing anyone will tell you about time management is to use Google Calendar or another similar application. Here’s how I made it work for me:

• Begin by blocking out time for classes, tasks, homework, or anything remotely important. This helps in visualizing your day and ensuring you are aware of every responsibility – no surprises. Personally, my college registrar has a feature that lets me export my classes to Google Calendar which was an excellent first step in organizing my schedule.
• Keep track of tasks and events by color-coding them based on categories, involvements, or urgency. For instance, I use different colors for classes, extracurricular activities, work, and personal time. This visual differentiation makes it easier to see what my day looks like.
• Don’t beat yourself up too much if you miss a task. Instead, adjusting your schedule by moving the task forward helps in keeping track of its completion. This dynamic approach ensures that no task is forgotten and that you remain flexible in your planning.
• If you find it motivating to create tasks and check them off upon completion, Google also has an app for that. Google Tasks integrates seamlessly with Google Calendar, allowing you to manage your to-do list efficiently.

Beyond digital tools, establishing a routine was crucial. Here are things that I found to create a productive, sustainable routine:

• This is something I struggle with a lot, but I always aim to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. This helped ensure I was well-rested for my classes and had the energy to get work done.
• I developed morning rituals to start off my day. Last semester, I started waking up in the early morning despite my first classes starting at 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM so I had time to go to the gym. As a result, each morning I had a boost of energy to support my day and was able to accomplish the first bullet point easier.

My final takeaway from the last three years is balancing academics, social life, and personal well-being. As a freshman, I did not prioritize myself as I often sacrificed sleep and missed meals as work and responsibilities added up. This is something I grew to combat as I began incorporating regular breaks into lengthy hours of work, tracked tasks through Google Calendar, and dedicated time to work on my health. Using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, I took short breaks after focused study periods to rest and recharge. The result was a much more productive work session and better overall well-being. I also made time for activities like extracurriculars and seeing friends. This not only helped me unwind but also improved my mental state.

Transitioning from high school to college taught me the importance of effective time management. Through these practices, I was able to manage my responsibilities and make the most of my college experience. Time management is an ongoing process, and being adaptable and open to refining your approach is the key to success.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

In the chaos of college life, keeping up with assignments, extracurricular activities, and maintaining a social life can feel like an uphill battle. I've come to realize that effective time management and organization are not just desirable skills but necessary survival tools. Amidst this chaos, one strategy has proven to be most successful for me: to-do lists.

Picture this: it's Monday morning, and your brain is already buzzing with a million tasks begging for attention. You've got lectures to attend, assignments to complete, meetings to join, and a list of other commitments. It's overwhelming, to say the least. With a simple to-do list, you can lessen the mayhem and reclaim control over your day. Incorporating to-do lists into my daily routine has been life changing. It's a simple yet incredibly effective method for organizing my thoughts and prioritizing my tasks. Each night, I take a few minutes to jot down everything I already know I’ll need to accomplish. From major assignments to minor errands, it can be so helpful to just visualize what I need to get done.

I recommend setting aside a few minutes each night to think about your goals for the week and what you need to accomplish each day to make that happen. I even write down my classes for the next morning so I can get a full layout of my day before it even starts. The best part is when I can start ticking off items throughout the day. There's something so fulfilling about checking off each line as tasks are completed. There’s nothing like reaching the end of the day and seeing a to-do list fully completed, a visual representation of my productivity. I no longer need to worry about what I may have forgotten or neglected.

To-do lists can be very effective if used correctly. Just writing things down and hoping for the best won’t be enough. If you take the time to write out your tasks and goals, you can be productive every day of the week.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As a college student, I have found that it can be challenging to find a balance between my academic and personal life. Now as a student in my final year in college, I have learned the importance of prioritizing both aspects of my life. The following three tips have helped me be successful in the classroom while also making time for important people and hobbies in my life.

Knowing when I am most productive

Something that has helped me academically is recognizing what time of the day I am most productive. For me, I am most productive in the morning. To work on this strength, I wake up earlier to start getting work done. This allows me to get most of my work done and then have more time in the day for myself.

Scheduling time with friends but also alone time

Spending time with important people in my life is something that keeps me motivated when it comes to academics. I enjoy going to get coffee with friends, studying together, and going out for dinner. I’ve also realized that I sometimes need to have time to myself. Some activities I enjoy doing by myself include going on walks and reading. Giving myself this alone time helps me to feel more present when I am with my friends and family.

Making a prioritized list

Having a planner and staying organized is something that has helped me throughout my four years in school. On Sundays, I fill out my planner according to my class schedule and personal activities. I also have found it helpful to make a to-do list and prioritize the list in order of importance. For example, an assignment with a due date quickly approaching will be at the top of my list. I then continue to add to the list the tasks that must get done.

It is important to recognize that these tips may not be effective for everyone. Find out what works best for you and your lifestyle. Sometimes school can feel overwhelming, and it feels like there is so much to get done. Finding what helps you balance your academics and personal life can help ease those feelings. Next time you have those feelings, I hope you can try one of these tips or find something that works for you.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!