Time... ah, how we wish we had more when we we're cramming for an exam the night before, but wish it passed quicker in class.
Truth of the matter is that we all have the same amount - 24 hours in a day. So, how do some people manage this so well? What are their secrets?
It's all about ... priorities . That's right folks- you heard it here. Apparently, reading a storybook until 4am on a weeknight because you're hooked with the storyline somehow affects your ability to prepare for an upcoming quiz (wow, where could I have gotten such a relatable example...) This does not mean to always prioritize coursework- your mental wellbeing should take precedence, but applying the 80/20 rule implies that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. This means knowing where that 20% must be targetted.
A good engineering student's schedule consists of a solid (uninterupted) block of study (outside of classes) daily, and then time dedicated to others important aspects of life- socializing responsibly, dedicating time for other interests/goals, and involving in extracurriculars. Here's a mind twist that has proven true in my undergrad career- the more busy I am, the more productive I am. You may think, "duhh. I mean if you are busy, you are obviously getting more stuff done." That's not exactly what I'm getting at. The more I fill up my schedule (while keeping it realistic), the more I am able to accomplish. If I preemptively plan out my day to only have 2 things on my to-do list, I spent the entire day lethargically dragging my tasks. However, in a busy schedule, the strict deadlines push me to be super productive.
Honestly, time management is something I am continuing to work on, and I doubt you will master it at the end of your freshman year. But what I can tell you is your struggle with it now will teach you valuable tools to carry with through life. The value of a good higher education is that you learn tools to use for the rest of your life, and managing time is something I see a lot of adults struggle with. Let your current lessons pave a smooth path for your future.