Cauldron

Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: A & E

The end of the semester can be a stressful time for college students-with papers, exams and deadlines looming ahead, students can become easily overwhelmed under their heavy workload.

With a few adjustments in time management, however, the flurry of activity surrounding exams can settle into a controllable burden instead of an impossible task. Here are a few tips to help you finish out your semester strong.

Get and use a planner to help divide up your day. When selecting a planner, make sure that it is portable. "For a student to not have it on their person might as well be to have not bought it in the first place," childcare specialist Deanna Anderson said. "Imagine the crisis if a student were to schedule something, only to go home and find that time slot filled with something else."

Start by blocking out classes, finals and other non-negotiable responsibilities such as work schedules. By laying down a basic timetable, students can see how much time they really have to study, which may be surprising. With all the things to do in the day, if time is not structured properly, it can be easily wasted. Plan out your study time-and then stick to it.

If utilizing a planner is not an option, creating small lists of tasks to complete can help break down responsibilities that feel impossible into small, easily manageable bites. Keeping the list in a purse or wallet allows it to be easily accessible.

Minimize distractions. Professor Bob Papper of Ball State University, who co-authored a study on how Americans are bombarded by media, estimated that Americans consume nine hours of media per day, which includes cell phone conversations, Internet usage and television. Those distractions can be deadly to a student's study time.

In an era that not only includes books, newspapers and television, but also iPods, cell phones and computers, distraction is rampant. Though technology can be a blessing, it can also be a curse when final exams roll around.

Instead of trying to fight temptation, create an environment that is conducive to study. Remove yourself from situations that cause distractions. If your computer has a wireless card, try to study or write assignments in a place that does not have wireless internet. Cell phone junkies-put your phone on silent and out of sight.

Friends can provide distractions as well, especially when they are either finished with finals or do not attend school. Instead of indulging in late nights with friends when assignments are on the horizon, treat yourself when the work is done.

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