1. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
TIME MANAGEMENT for UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
STUDENT HANDOUT PACKAGE
Workshop Objectives
 Assess your use of time.
 Identify obstacles and potential solutions to develop effective time management skills.
 Analyze current time management practices.
 Describe personal energy cycle.
 Identify personal goals and practice a method of setting priorities.
 Create a personal time management plan aligned with goals and priorities.
 Identify more resources/tools to implement time management strategies.
TIME MANAGEMENT OBSTACLES: WHAT IS STANDING IN YOUR WAY? 1
1. High School versus University Expectations
2. Procrastination
 Screen time is an obvious example (Facebook, YouTube, MSN, email, movies, TV, etc).
 “Busy-work procrastination”
3. Time between classes
4. Commuting
5. Perfectionism
6. Unrealistic expectations
 Expecting to finish large portions of work in short periods of time
(i.e.“Catch-up time management”)
 Spending too much time on one activity so one’s concentration dwindles.
1
Adapted from: University of Guelph, “Learning Time,” The Learning Commons,
<http://www.webshops.uoguelph.ca/learningtime/welcome.htm> (10 December 2004).
1

2. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
TIME MANAGEMENT EXERCISE
It is important to acknowledge that time management, stress management and goal setting are all
inter-connected to each other. Many factors affect how we manage our time, both internal and
external. It is key to focus on the factors we are able to control. Fill in the chart below and ask
yourself: What are my biggest problems? What are some potential solutions?
Big Problem Often a Sometimes a Seldom a
for me Problem Problem Problem
1. Not setting goals and deadlines.
2. Leaving things until the last possible minute.
3. Priorities unclear or changing faster than you are
aware of
4. Leaving tasks unfinished
5. “Fire fighting” or crisis management
6. Not following through with plans.
7. Attempting too much – unrealistic time estimates.
8. Late for class
9. Personal disorganization (e.g., cluttered desk)
10. Handing in assignments late
11. Lack of self-discipline
12. Lack of motivation
13. Not enough sleep
14. Too many interests and commitments
15. Easily distracted from task (e.g., by telephone calls,
visits)
My 2 Biggest Problems are:
 _______________________________________________________
 _______________________________________________________
Potential Solutions include:
o _______________________________________________________
2

3. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? PERSONAL TIME SURVEY2
Think about how many hours you spend on each of the following tasks considered the necessities
and basic living tasks. Multiply that number by 7 to get an idea of how many hours you spend each
week on that item.
1. Number of hours of sleep each night ________ X 7 = _______
2. Number of grooming hours per day ________ X 7 = _______
3. Number of hours for meals/snacks per day (include ________ X 7 = _______
preparation time).
4a. Total travel time weekdays ________ X 5 = _______
4b. Total travel time weekends ________ X 2 = _______
5. Number of hours per week for regularly scheduled
functions (clubs, gym, get-togethers, etc.) ____________________
6. Number of hours per day for chores and errands ________ X 7 = _______
7. Number of hours of class per week ____________________
8. Number of hours of work per week ____________________
9. Number of average hours per week socializing,
dates, etc. Be honest! ____________________
Now add up the totals: ____________________
Subtract the above number from 168 = 168- _______= _______
Study Hour Formula*
Easy class (# study hours needed) ________ x 2 = _______
Average class (# study hours needed) ________ x 3 = _______
Difficult class (# study hours needed) ________ x 4 = _______
Total _______
Compare this number to your time left from the survey box above. Have you left yourself enough
time for your studies?
*Remember that this formula is only a guideline, and actual times need to be based on the faculty
and course in question.
2
Adapted from: George Mason University, “Personal Time Survey,” Self-Development Center, <
http://www.gmu.edu/gmu/personal/time.html> (10 December 2004).
3

4. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
YOUR ENERGY CYCLE
Consider when you are “at your best” and plan activities according to your energy cycle. If this is a
hard task to do on the spot, try charting a typical weekday and weekend sometime this week.
100%
Energy
50%
0
_______AM _______Noon ______PM
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Do you plan your day to work with your energy cycle?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. How could you better utilize your period of peak energy?
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4

5. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PRIORITIZE your PERSONAL GOALS
Another important aspect of time management is goal setting and prioritization. You can’t prioritize
before you have determined your life, career or personal goals. Take the time to think about your
goals. Consider goals for the next: week, month, term, year, five years…
Ask yourself:
1. Do your goals span all the areas of your life?
(career, family, friendships, spiritual, pleasure, community, self-growth….)
2. How do you plan to achieve your goals?
3. Are there any obstacles to realizing your goals?
Be sure your goals are SMART3:
S – Specific
State exactly what you want to achieve. Can you break a larger task down into
smaller items?
M - Measurable
Establish clear definitions to help you measure if you’re reaching your goal.
A - Action-Oriented
Describe your goals using action verbs, and outline the exact steps you will take to accomplish
your goal.
R - Realistic
Give yourself the opportunity to succeed by setting goals you’ll actually be able to accomplish. Be
sure to consider obstacles you may need to overcome.
T - Time-Bound
Now much time do you have to complete the task? Decide exactly when you’ll start and finish your
goal.
NEXT, Set Your Priorities
 list things that need to be done.
 prioritize by listing them according to:
A - must do (top priority, critical)
B - should do (worthwhile, but not essential)
C - nice to do (low value, can be eliminated or postponed)
3
Adapted from: Sanger Learning and Career Centre, Learning Handouts, SMART Goals,
<http://www.lifelearning.utexas.edu/handouts/setting%20smart%20goals.pdf> (15 January 2011).
5

6. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
CREATE A PERSONAL TIME MANAGEMENT PLAN
You have assessed and analyzed your current time management strategies, your biggest problem
areas, your energy cycle, established your goals and prioritize now it is time to put this plan down
on paper. To give you a head’s start on your weekly time management schedule – begin to fill out
this weekly timetable. Indicate your classes, regular & flexible study times, work schedule,
recreational activities and other standing commitments on this scheduler.
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
6:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00
9:00-10:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:00
12:00-1:00
1:00-2:00
2:00-3:00
3:00-4:00
4:00-5:00
5:00-6:00
6:00-7:00
7:00-8:00
8:00-9:00
9:00-10:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:00
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
6

7. THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
UBC Learning Commons:
o Time Management Toolkit http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/get-started/study-toolkits/time-
management-toolkit/
o Procrastination Concentration Toolkit http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/get-started/study-
toolkits/procrastinationconcentration-toolkit/
o Stop Wasting Time Online http://learningcommons.ubc.ca/get-teched-up/getting-your-
study-on/stop-wasting-time-online/
UBC Library’s Assignment Calculator http://assignmentcalculator.library.ubc.ca/index.php
Online timer stopwatch http://www.timeme.com/timer-stopwatch.htm
University of Guelph’s online guide to time management
http://www.learningcommons.uoguelph.ca/guides/time_management/#home
Study Guides and Strategies
o Daily schedule http://www.studygs.net/schedule/index.htm
o Weekly Schedule http://www.studygs.net/schedule/Weekly.html
o Create a quick and easy prioritized ‘to do’ list. http://www.studygs.net/stressb.htm
7