This post is all about productivity tips for college students that will actually help you.
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Productivity is definitely something I struggle with and does not come easily to me. I always have the best intentions and want to be productive but usually, I am just too easily distracted by my phone, the internet, or my friends.
I know that I am not the only college student with this problem which is why I put together this list of the 13 best productivity tips for college students that have actually worked for me.
Productivity really is an essential skill for college, careers, and just the real world in general. However, becoming more productive does not have to be this life-altering shift that stresses you out more than helps you. Instead, think of it as small changes that will result in being a lot more productive over time.
In order to help improve my own productivity and help you with yours, I’ve searched the internet for all of the best productivity tips for college students that people swear by. Every tip has personally helped me become more productive and I’m sure will help you too!
1. Form Positive Habits:
When people realize that they are falling behind or aren’t using their time wisely, they decide that they need to become more productive. This is partly true; however, what we really need to do is form positive habits and break negative ones.
Recently I read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear which I definitely recommend to anyone trying to become more productive. James explains habit-forming in a clear way, backed by psychology and science.
Ultimately, the book taught me the importance of starting with small goals or habits that will eventually lead to big results. The best part about this strategy is that you won’t get overwhelmed as easily.
For example, if you want to start journaling set a timer for 5 minutes every night before you go to sleep and just write. When the timer goes off, close your journal and go to sleep. By the end of the month, you will have written in your journal for 2 1/2 hours, have 30 journal entries, and a new positive habit of journaling before bed.
2. Planner- Find The Right Planner For You:
I know everyone recommends using a planner, but there is a reason for that. There are always so many things that you have to remember in college and a planner is by far the best way to organize all of your assignments, club meetings, work schedule, deadlines, and exams.
Although I love planners and know they are essential, this past semester I did not like my planner, and because of that I really didn’t write much down. This is why it’s essential to find a planner that works best for you.
Recently, I heard that the Day Designer knock off by Blue Sky is really good especially for people who have a lot to do and aren’t the best at planning out their time (AKA me and maybe you?)
The one I linked above is a daily/monthly planner and gives you an entire page for each day of the month which allows you to time-block your schedule for the day. Time-blocking can really help you to stay on task and use your time wisely.
I am going to buy this planner for my second semester and will update this post to let you know how it works for me. Make sure to grab these pens for your planner too. They are my favorite because they don’t bleed and write really well!
3. Work In an Organized and Clean Space:
If you’re like me then you are probably distracted very easily. It’s important to keep your work area organized and clean so that it does not distract you from getting your work done.
I also think it’s super important to find a study location on your campus that works for you best. I don’t know about you, but I work so much more productively in some locations than others. My favorite places to study are in coffee shops and on the silent floor of the library.
I definitely recommend trying to find a spot where you are the most productive. I promise it will help you get so much more work done!
If you’re working from home, try to find a quiet area that you can designate for school work. Try to make it as separate from your relaxation spaces as possible. Ideally away from your bed, couch, TV, and other distractions.
4. Study Music:
It’s really important to learn how to stay on task. I know how easy it can be to get distracted but the only way that you will finish an assignment is if you actually focus and get it done.
I like to listen to study music when I am trying to focus. The songs are all instrumental so they don’t distract me. These are my favorite study music albums that I listen to on Apple music.
- Calm Study Music- Top 50 songs for Concentration, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Exam Preparation
- Focus on Studying
5. Create a Schedule:
Creating a general schedule for your day or week can definitely have its benefits. I like using planners so much because I love to see my day/week and even month planned out in front of me.
I am most productive when I fill in my work due this week printable at the beginning of every week. Planning my day out is much easier when I know what assignments are due the following days. Then I can use my planner to plan out my day.
I make sure to block off certain times of the day that are dedicated for working on assignments. Another thing that will help you manage your time better is breaking assignments up into smaller pieces which I talk more about in the next tip.
If you want to use the free scheduling printables above, they are in my resource library. Click here to visit the library. I promise these printables are really helpful!
6. Break Tasks Into Smaller Pieces:
One of the biggest problems with trying to become more productive is that doing a lot of work can become overwhelming fast. It is really helpful to break tasks into smaller pieces to spread out the work. This will also help with procrastination which I know is something that haunts a lot of college students.
Write down the task at the top of a page and then break it into smaller pieces/steps. Write down next to each step the estimated amount of time it will take you and add in a little extra time for breaks. Then you will be able to sprinkle these smaller pieces into your day/week and the overall task won’t be as stressful and daunting to complete.
7. Take Breaks:
It can be really helpful to take a 5-minute break every 30 to 45 minutes. You can walk around, grab a snack, or some water. This will give your brain a chance to reset. After your break, you will be more focused and ready to work.
In my own experience, I have found breaks helpful if I make sure that what I’m doing during the break isn’t too distracting. I definitely don’t recommend laying down, watching TV, or even scrolling on social media during this break unless you’re sure that you’ll be able to refocus within 5 minutes.
8. Eliminate Distractions:
Distractions really are the enemy haha. I hate to admit it and I’m sure you do too but think about the times when your phone isn’t right next to you. Are you more productive?
If you’re like me and somebody who is already easily distracted, it only makes sense to eliminate as many unnecessary distractions as possible to be more productive. I know this tip is annoying but it really does help!
9. Exercise or Do Something Motivating/Energizing:
In order to be productive, you need to motivate your body and mind and get your blood flowing. One great way to do this is by exercising in the morning.
The exercise you do doesn’t have to be anything crazy. Remember, we are all about small actions that lead to big results over here. Your exercise can be a simple walk, yoga or even an at-home workout video. It can be any exercise or activity that motivates/energizes you and helps to start your day off right.
10. Get Dressed In The Morning:
Quarantine made this one so much harder for me! Even though it’s a lot more difficult, I am a strong believer that when you feel good about your appearance, you’re more productive and motivated throughout the day.
This doesn’t mean that you have to put on a super cute outfit if you’re just working from home or the library. It just means that you should put a little more effort into your appearance than just rolling out of bed and starting to work.
I promise getting dressed in the morning will make you feel more motivated.
11. Try Not To Multitask:
I always want to multitask but there are times when you really just can’t. Every time I try to multitask I end up wasting more time because I get distracted and overwhelmed.
If you need to, place a piece of paper in front of you and write down exactly what you are doing for the next 20 minutes. You can also set a timer if that helps. The piece of paper will remind you of what you should be doing and will prevent you from starting another task.
12. Be Consistent:
Being consistent is something I definitely struggle with. It’s so easy to start a new schedule, routine, or habit for a couple of days and then give up after becoming discouraged. This is why it’s important to work in small ways so that you don’t get overwhelmed.
Things like journaling for 5 minutes a night, working on homework for 20 minutes and then taking a 5 minute break are easier to stick with because they aren’t overwhelming.
Consistency really is key when it comes to becoming more productive which is why this is so important.
13. Set Personal Goals:
It is helpful to write down weekly or daily goals for yourself and try your best to complete them on time. Your goals can include completing an assignment, reading a book, taking notes, etc. Anything that is a productive use of your time.
Write down your main goal for the week or month every day until it is accomplished. Seeing your goal on paper will motivate you to keep going.
Download my FREE goal setting printable (above) here!
I hope that you liked this post about the best productivity tips for college students! If you learned any tips from this post that helped you make sure to leave a comment below. I love hearing from my readers.
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