There is one very important skill you should walk away from university with – actually, you should pick it up in your first year – and that is Time Management.

Perhaps it’s because I started working at 16 and spent an odd half-year at college in the States (I began working full-time at 19 and stopped once I moved here last August) before going back to university at 30, but I didn’t realize how many first years struggle managing their time.

Don’t worry, there are plenty of adults who are adulting in the world who still struggle with it, but a simple approach can be taken to help reduce your overall stress while in uni, and once you’re out in the big bad world: Use your phone’s calendar.

Seriously, most of you have smart phones, so use them … smartly.

Most smartphone calendars allow you to set alarms or reminders for events you schedule, and you can set those up however you want.

For me, I use the calendar for everything. Travel dates, exam dates, essay due dates, class times, my work schedule, and dates of importance for the kids.

I set a reminder in my phone a few days in advance for essay due dates, because I am nothing if not a procrastinator and I need that visual “DUDE!” warning so I can get my work done.

I set my class and work schedule reminders up to give me two hours notice before I have to be there, just in case I’ve forgotten or get sidetracked.

I even set aside periods of time in my calendar to study for a specific test or to read through information I need for tutorials.

It also forces you to prioritize what needs doing once you see it written out.  For some, it’s a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll find yourself striking a better balance in your scholastic and personal lives.

Oh, and it helps you from double-booking yourself for pub-hopping, date nights, and sport events as well. You know, all the most important stuff 😉

What have you found that helps you manage your time?