Course 5: Time Management & Independent Study

Course Aim

This session aims to equip students with the skills and tools necessary for effective time management and independent learning. It covers strategies for planning study schedules using digital tools like Trello and Google Calendar, overcoming procrastination, and balancing coursework alongside part-time employment. These skills are essential for sustaining academic performance, reducing stress, and promoting personal responsibility within the independent learning environment of UK higher education.

Introduction

Time management is a vital skill for all students, particularly those transitioning into the independent learning culture of UK universities. The shift from structured, teacher-led education to self-directed study can be overwhelming without the proper tools and strategies. Coupled with part-time employment or personal commitments, students must learn to organise their time effectively to meet deadlines and achieve academic success. This session introduces digital planning tools, strategies to overcome procrastination, and guidance on balancing work and study commitments, all essential for thriving in higher education.

Creating Study Timetables Using Trello or Google Calendar

Effective time management begins with planning and prioritisation. In the UK academic context, students are expected to manage significant amounts of independent study time, often with fewer contact hours than they may be used to. According to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI, 2021), full-time undergraduates are expected to commit around 30–40 hours per week to study, including lectures, seminars, and private learning.

Creating a realistic and structured study timetable allows students to plan ahead for lectures, reading, assignment preparation, and personal activities. Digital tools such as Google Calendar and Trello offer accessible platforms to help manage these demands:

• Google Calendar allows users to schedule study blocks, set reminders, and visually track how their time is spent. Timetables can be colour-coded to distinguish between different tasks (e.g., reading, essay writing, group work) and can be shared with peers or tutors for collaboration.
• Trello is a task management tool that uses boards and checklists to organise workloads. Students can break down assignments into smaller tasks, set deadlines, and monitor progress. This promotes accountability and helps visual learners stay on track.

To build an effective timetable:

• Begin by plotting in fixed commitments (lectures, seminars, work shifts).
• Allocate regular time slots for reading, coursework, and review.
• Include short breaks and rest days to avoid burnout.
• Be flexible but consistent—review the timetable weekly and adjust as needed.

The University of Nottingham (2022) recommends weekly time audits to identify unproductive habits and make informed changes. Ultimately, a well-managed schedule supports productivity and reduces last-minute stress.

Beating Procrastination

Procrastination is a common challenge among university students and often stems from feelings of overwhelm, lack of motivation, or fear of failure. In the context of independent study, where self-discipline is critical, learning how to overcome procrastination is essential.

Common signs of procrastination include:

• Avoiding starting assignments until the deadline is near.
• Spending excessive time on non-urgent or unrelated tasks.
• Repeatedly delaying revision or reading.

To tackle procrastination, students should first understand its root causes. According to Steel (2007), procrastination is not merely poor time management, but a self-regulation failure influenced by emotional and psychological factors.

Practical strategies include:

• The Pomodoro Technique: Working in short, focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes), followed by short breaks, increases concentration and breaks large tasks into manageable parts.
• Setting SMART goals: Tasks should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
• Task chunking: Breaking assignments into smaller components with individual deadlines can make projects feel less overwhelming.
• Accountability partners: Studying with a peer or reporting progress to a tutor can increase motivation.

Digital tools like Forest, which gamifies focus, or Notion, which supports task planning and journaling, can also help students stay organised and reduce digital distractions.

Overcoming procrastination enhances self-efficacy, academic performance, and mental well-being. As recommended by the National Union of Students (NUS, 2022), students who develop structured routines and reflective study habits are better positioned to meet university demands confidently.

Managing Coursework and Part-Time Jobs

Balancing academic study with part-time employment is a reality for many students in the UK. While work offers financial independence and transferable skills, it must be carefully balanced to avoid negatively impacting academic performance.

Research from Universities UK (2021) highlights that students working over 15 hours per week during term time are more likely to experience academic strain, missed deadlines, and fatigue. Therefore, planning is essential.

To manage both effectively:

• Set clear priorities: Academics should take precedence during assessment periods. Students should inform employers about peak academic times in advance.
• Use spare hours wisely: Commutes and breaks can be used for reading or listening to lectures.
• Keep a combined schedule: Input both work shifts and coursework deadlines into a single calendar to avoid conflicts.
• Communicate with tutors: If employment affects study time, academic staff may be able to offer advice or refer students to support services.

Some universities offer employment support services, which include job boards that advertise student-friendly roles and workshops on work–study balance. Students are also encouraged to consider on-campus roles such as student ambassadors or library assistants, which often offer flexible hours.

It is crucial for students to remember that university is a full-time commitment. Learning to balance external responsibilities with academic work fosters resilience, time awareness, and professionalism, skills that are valuable beyond graduation.

Conclusion

Time management and independent study are indispensable components of academic success within UK higher education. By creating structured timetables using tools like Trello and Google Calendar, overcoming procrastination through self-awareness and targeted techniques, and finding a sustainable balance between coursework and employment, students can develop the confidence and capacity to thrive in university life. These strategies not only enhance academic performance but also promote personal well-being and readiness for professional environments. Through consistency, reflection, and support, students can become effective, independent learners equipped to manage their time with intention and purpose.

References

HEPI (2021) Student Academic Experience Survey. Higher Education Policy Institute. Available at: https://www.hepi.ac.uk

Steel, P. (2007) ‘The nature of procrastination: A meta-analytic and theoretical review of quintessential self-regulatory failure’, Psychological Bulletin, 133(1), pp.65–94.

University of Nottingham (2022) Study and Time Management Resources. Available at: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studentservices

Universities UK (2021) Working While Studying: Student Experiences and Guidance. Available at: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk

NUS (2022) Time Management and Study Balance Guide. National Union of Students. Available at: https://www.nus.org.uk