Hi, I’m Rebecca Amrick, Falvey’s newest Cat in the Stax! I’ll be writing articles covering a broad range of topics, from academics to hobbies to random events. All the while highlighting how Falvey Library can enhance your Villanova experience!

As you adjust to a different environment and new schedule, you may be trying to work out a new daily routine. Whether this means setting aside time to exercise, planning get-togethers with friends, or even figuring out when and where to eat in between classes, you’re trying to juggle academics and a social life and still find time for hobbies and relaxation. It’s a lot, and too often it feels like there is just not enough time in the day.

In this article, I will provide some tips on how you can properly organize your time so you can do what you need to do while still having space to do what you want to do. I’ll apply each piece of advice to one of my own habits that I’m trying to develop to make it more concrete and understandable.

Decide Priorities

What do you want to focus on this semester? Besides your schoolwork, of course! Do you want to exercise more? Read some books on your TBR? Or do you simply want some time to rest each day? Deciding what you want to accomplish will help you set a routine you can be excited about.

Personal Example: I want to run more. I’m planning to run a half marathon later this year, so I need to set aside time to train for it.

Photo by Glenn Cartsens-Peters

Set Small Goals

Simply saying “I want to run more” is daunting and vague. For each priority you set, break it down into smaller, measurable pieces. The measurable part is important: having distinct, quantitative goals makes carrying them out easier. It will also allow you to see how you progress in a habit.

Personal Example: To train for the race, I’ll start by running for 20 minutes each day. This number will increase every week: 20 minutes this week, 25 minutes the next, and so on.

Write it Out

It might help you stay on track to write out your schedule for the day. Record your daily goals and schedule when you’ll achieve certain accomplishments. This can be through an academic or daily planner, a calendar, or even a simple to-do list.

Personal Example: I find it helpful to keep a planner/to-do list where I schedule my tasks for each hour (or couple of hours). I sit down every night and plan out what needs to be done the next day and when I’m going to do it.

Be Consistent

Consistence is key! If you don’t stick by your routine, you’ll never achieve your goals. It takes 21 days for something to become a habit. If you’re struggling now, keep at it! It will get easier!

If you still need help managing your time and staying loyal to your routine, check out these resources from the Library:

• 10 Steps to Successful Time Management by Cyndi Maxey and Kevin O’Connor
• Organizing for Success by Kenneth Zeigler
• More Time for You: A Powerful System to Organize Your Work and Get Things Done by Rosmary Tator and Alesia Latson
• Managing Time: Focus on What Matters, Avoid Distractions, Get Things Done by Safari Books Online

Rebecca Amrick is a first year graduate student in the English Department and a Graduate Assistant at Falvey Library.