Self-management
Independent study is the cornerstone of success in UK Higher Education. Students have to learn how to manage themselves effectively in the face of so many conflicting demands. Here are some useful tips for you to consider.
Time Management
The challenge for students is managing the time away from scheduled lectures and tutorials, particularly managing the time for independent research and reading. There are many books written on time management, but good time management can be summarised, as follows:
- Being clear about what is expected of you, and when you have to do it.
- Having both a short-term and long-term plan to complete tasks.
- Dividing large tasks into smaller more manageable units.
Here are two time management tools/posters you can print off.
- 'Manage Your Time' - help you prioritise tasks in the longer term.
- 'Get a Grip on Time' - useful for your short-term daily and weekly planning.
Planning is important, but you also need to think about your attitude to time and time management. The following diagram illustrates the three big time management issues and their cause and effect.
This Procrastination workbook explores the causes and effect of procrastination, and offers some practical solutions. Other useful resources:
- Procrastination - causes and possible solutions (Word)
- Perfectionism - causes and possible situations (Word)
For further reading and information, please download the ELS Time Management Booklet.
Personal Effectiveness
Reframe negative thinking for future success (Word)
Reflection log - example format (Word)
Effective openings - make an impact! (PDF)
Introductions - opening lines (PDF)
Take a Break (PDF)
Breathing Exercises (PDF)
How good is your work life balance (Word)