Written by Alexis (she/her), student
Time management is a crucial skill for any student, and it only becomes more important in university.
Time management isn’t just about staying on top of your studies — it’s also about making sure you leave time to take care of yourself and your mental health, and have fun, too! If carrying around an agenda isn’t your thing, here are some useful time management apps to consider instead.
Track it so you can crack it
The best way to improve your time management is to examine your current habits. Rescue Time can help you with that!
Rescue Time
Rescue Time is an app that runs in the background of your computer or phone and tracks your time spent on apps and websites. It creates a report to show you where you’re spending the majority of your time, and just how much time you are actually spending on a screen.
Once you know how you’re spending your time, you can start to make changes and crack your bad habits!
Using Rescue Time was a huge eye-opener for me. I had no idea just how much time I’d been spending on things that really weren’t worth it. Reviewing the weekly reports helps to keep me on track, and motivates me to make positive changes to my habits.
Don’t mess around, write it down
Writing things down is a great way to remember everything you need to do. Microsoft To Do, Remember the Milk, and Notion are all great note-taking apps that can help you keep all your thoughts in one place.
Microsoft To Do
Microsoft To Do is a clean and efficient to-do list. The app allows you to break down your tasks into steps, add due dates, set reminders, and even collaborate with others!
Available both as an app and on desktop, your to-do list will always be at your fingertips.
Remember the Milk
Remember the Milk acts as your personal reminder. Write down everything and be reminded no matter where you are or what device you’re on.
This app also has a sharing feature so you can collaborate on lists or even send someone else a to-do item!
Notion
Notion combines task management, note-taking, and organization into a single location. You can customize your Notion to best suit your goals and needs.
Take advantage of the different workspaces to keep your life in order.
Follow through on what you set out to do
It’s one thing to make a plan, but it’s another to actually put it into action. Brain Focus Productivity Timer helps keep you accountable.
Brain Focus Productivity Timer
Brain Focus Productivity Timer is a timer that allocates a set amount of time for studying, and a set amount of time for a break. If you’re like me and get distracted easily when you’re studying, this app can really help!
I find it helps me stay focused and get my work done. Sometimes, I even use the app to stay on task when I have a lot of cleaning or laundry to do that I’m not feeling particularly motivated to complete.
Keep track so you can sit back
Portal
Once you get to campus, Portal will help you keep track of everything Waterloo related! Portal includes information on important dates, exam schedules, and more.
Portal is great because anytime you need Waterloo information, you can find it in one place. I really like that it keeps track of my classes. It’s especially helpful when a new term starts and I’m not familiar with my schedule yet.
Hopefully one (or more) of these apps work for you and help you manage your time better! If you’re interested in improving your time management even more, check out our article on top time management tips for students.
Related articles
Top 10 best productivity apps for students
Being a student isn’t easy, and with distractions all around us, it isn’t surprising that many of us find it challenging to organize our time or stay focused on our studies.
Top time management tips for students
The struggle to find a balance between getting good grades, joining extra-curricular activities, holding a part-time job, and still having time left over to enjoy personal pleasures. That’s why time management is extremely important for students — not only will you be successful and happy in the pursuit of your goals, but you’ll keep your sanity too!
Time management secrets for science students
In first year, science students have a pretty rigorous schedule of 20+ hours a week filled with labs, tutorials, and lectures. Getting into the university groove takes time, but once you find what works for you, it all gets easier — I promise!