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Managing time more efficiently usually means creating new daily habits.  One way to get started 
with new habits is to map out a schedule showing exactly when you will do what for an entire 
week.  Following a schedule like this may seem awkward at first, but eventually you will 
develop new habits that can improve your academic performance and also leave you with more 
free time. 
 
Page 2 of this document contains a sample weekly schedule divided into half-hour time blocks. 
Examples of academic and extracurricular activities are provided to illustrate a potential week in 
the life of a student; however, based your academic and extracurricular activities as well as 
everyday basics like sleeping and eating, your schedule may look differently.    
 
You may create your own weekly study schedule by using the blank template found on page 3 of 
this document. You can designate and organize your time as you like and use whatever color 
coding you prefer. 
 
To create your weekly study schedule begin by thinking about how you spend your time in the 
categories listed below: 
 
1.  Classes – Block out the time to get to and from classes as well as actual class time. 
 
2.  Regular commitments - Scheduled activities that you attend on a weekly basis, such as 
time you spend in clubs, organized sports, volunteering, job, etc. 
 
3.  Basics - Include time for sleeping, getting ready in the morning, cooking, eating, doing 
laundry, going to the gym, etc. 
 
4.  Study time - Set aside time that you plan to devote each week to studying, reading, 
managing notes, and doing assignments. You should schedule at least 2 hours per week 
for every hour you spend in class (for example: if taking 15 credit hours you should 
schedule 30 hours of study time on your weekly study schedule). Think about scheduling 
study time when you are at your best; for instance, if you are a “morning person,” then 
block out study times in the morning. You may also want to schedule your study times in 
short (1-hour or less) blocks, with recreation or study breaks in between. This will help 
keep your concentration and allow you to reward yourself for a productive study session 
with a relaxing break.  When scheduling study time, think about using time in between 
classes when you might be tempted to take a nap, play video games, or talk with friends. 
 
You can leave the rest of the calendar blank, so you can use the time as you wish, or you can 
schedule in personal, social, or family time if that is your preference. Some students like to 
schedule everything, including going out with friends or watching TV. This free time serves as 
your “pool” of hours if you need them during busy times like the two weeks before final exams.