Imagine this, you are juggling assignments, social events, and a seemingly endless stream of obligations. We’ve all been there, and it made attending the Office of Academic Support’s Study Habits & Time Management event, hosted by Dominic Fiduccia via Zoom, a valuable one, where students were shown how to turn a chaotic semester into a calm 16 weeks with a few key strategies.

Dominic kicked off the event by talking about SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. He encouraged students to envision their long-term destination, beginning with their current reality. The interactive format had attendees thinking critically about their own habits while introducing powerful tips for mastering time.

Dominic’s breakdown of time management was simple but impactful: it’s about controlling youruse of time and energy, rather than letting tasks control you. It was a lightbulb moment for many students who often feel overwhelmed. One major takeaway? Lists are your best friend. Writing down your tasks and prioritizing them helps you avoid that dreaded feeling of missing something important. Plus, you get a sense of satisfaction when crossing off completed tasks—instant motivation boost!

The event also gave a fresh look at making the most of video lectures. Who knew that watching videos at 1.5x speed could actually hurt retention? That nugget of advice was a game-changer for students who are used to speeding through online classes. Dominic emphasized the importance of sticking to the instructor’s schedule to avoid falling behind, while also engaging with the material as if attending in person—taking notes, asking questions, and staying focused.

Dominic highlighted some fascinating stats from Cengage as well, including that 47% of students didn’t find time management in college harder than high school, but 53% sure did. The secret to staying on top of things? Establishing a routine, shutting off distracting applications (because, let’s be honest, we’re not as good at multitasking as we may believe), and carving out time for yourself in the middle of the grind.

For some who were drowning in to-do lists, this event was a lifesaver. If students genuinely put these recommendations into action, they’ll not just survive college they’ll flourish! It is feasible to balance your schoolwork, social life, and personal well-being and with the correct resources, it can even be enjoyable. So, take a notepad, start prioritizing, and be ready to attack college like a pro.

By: Nathalia Lampkin