Time management can feel impossible when you’re juggling assignments, extracurriculars, and a social life. For many students, deadlines sneak up, procrastination takes over, and suddenly you’re pulling an all-nighter. These are few things you can teach to students who struggle with time management skills.

1. Focus on What Actually Matters
Not everything on a to-do list is urgent. Help students sort tasks using a simple system:

Must-do now: Urgent assignments, upcoming tests.
Schedule it: Important but not due right away.
If there’s time: Things that can wait or be delegated.
Not worth it: Unnecessary distractions.
This keeps them from wasting time on low-priority stuff when big tasks need attention.

2. Plan Ahead
Encourage students to use a planner or calendar—digital or paper, whatever works. Blocking out specific times for studying, assignments, and even breaks makes everything feel more manageable. It’s like putting your life on autopilot for a bit—just without the stress.

3. Break It Down
Big projects are overwhelming, which is why students put them off. Instead of writing “Finish essay” on their list, they should break it into smaller steps: research, outline, write, edit. Checking off smaller tasks gives a sense of progress and keeps motivation high.

4. Beat Procrastination
Distractions are everywhere—phones, social media, Netflix. Suggest the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of focused work, then a 5-minute break. It helps them stay on track without feeling like they’re stuck in a never-ending grind.

5. Make Time for Rest
Students often think time management means cramming in as much as possible. In reality, sleep, downtime, and self-care make them more productive. A well-rested brain works faster and smarter.

Helping students build better time habits now will make their lives way easier in the long run!

Allegra Pezzullo