1. Studying away from home is more effective

When I study at home, it is difficult to keep work and free time separate. Especially in my own room, there is a host of distractions to divert my focus. It helped me a lot when I started going to the library to study. However, the silence of the university library is not always necessary. A change in scenery is often sufficient, and a nice café will do. A friend of mine found it helpful to treat her university work like a job by establishing a dedicated workspace and only studying there.

2. To-do lists

Sometimes it seems like everything is coming at me at once. I need to read two texts for one of my courses since I have an assignment due, but I also need to go to work. Phases like this are common for students. I find it helpful to write out a to-do list to keep track of it all. Seeing everything in a list helps to keep thoughts of all that I still need to do from becoming too overwhelming. For further planning, I then prioritize the items on the to-do list. What needs to be done first? Which tasks aren’t as urgent?

3. Divide large tasks into smaller ones

For me personally, the biggest cause of procrastination is that when the tasks seem so big, I don’t know where to begin. It helps to break down large tasks into smaller, more specific subtasks. I use the SMART method for doing so and set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. The Psychological Counselling Centre of the Studierendenwerk (Student Services Organisation) has a list of other methods and techniques for self-management on their website (in German only).

4. Take breaks

It is not effective nor advisable to work for hours on end without a break, since the ability to concentrate declines after about 50 minutes. A short break helps you to be able to work more effectively afterwards. To make planning breaks easier, I like to use the Pomodoro technique. This is a time management method of working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. After four work intervals (Pomodoros), it is time for a longer break of 20 to 30 minutes. There are convenient timer apps, which notify you when it’s time to take a break, as well as “study with me” YouTube videos that use this method.

5. Find a study buddy

This tip is closely related to the first one. To increase my motivation to actually leave my home and go study, I make an appointment to meet up with friends to study together. This way, I have a concrete time allotted for studying that won’t be put off and we can keep each other motivated.

Do you need more tips?

If you need additional support, you can contact the Psychological Counselling Centre of the Studierendenwerk (Student Services Organisation). They have an entire list of helpful tips and methods to support you during your degree. You can also receive personal counseling or take part in a work-structuring group, in which you learn about techniques for time and self-management and how to successfully implement them. The Studierwerkstatt also offers regular seminars on effective time and resource management.