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Study Skills : Creating a Weekly Schedule
Creating a Weekly Schedule: sub-module 2 of 4 of time management
This module explains how to create a useful weekly schedule. A weekly schedule is a way to keep track of your activities and tasks for the week. It includes everything you have to do, and helps you plan out when you can get things done. It also helps you see how much time you have available.
Tips
- Plan for real life.Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day. For example, make sure you have some gaps between activities to allow for down time, eating, and travel.
- Give yourself enough time.Budget at least 1 hour of homework for every hour of class time.
- Plan study time.Plan blocks of time when you can study and work on assignments, and then figure out what work you need to do in each time slot.
- Plan time for fun.Leave time in your schedule for the things that make life worthwhile, such as hobbies or time with friends.
- Don’t over commit.Try to avoid cramming your schedule with activities and tasks. Leave some free time for flexibility. Remember: you are not going to be able to predict for all of the unexpected events that can and will happen.
- Spread things out.Try to spread activities without fixed times across the week so that they are not all concentrated on already busy days.
Weekly Schedule Templates
Creating Your Schedule for the Week
Why Use a Weekly Schedule?
In college, no one is there to map out your days for you. You have to take control of your own time. A weekly schedule helps by giving you a clear picture of how your hours are spent, so you can make the most of them. It includes fixed commitments like classes, labs, and work shifts, as well as planned study sessions, errands, meals, and downtime.
Seeing your week laid out in one place makes it easier to spot open time blocks, plan ahead for busy days, and maintain a healthy balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.
Watch the video to find out why you should use a weekly schedule.
How to Create a Weekly Schedule
Watch the video or follow the steps below to create your own weekly schedule.
Steps to Create a Weekly Schedule
- Choose a TemplateFind a weekly schedule template that works for you. Use one of the following options:
• Our Word template
• Our PDF template - Opens in a new window
• Calendars on programs such as Blackboard, Outlook/Office 365 or Google Calendar. (Check out the Software Tutorials tab for help using these programs). - Add Your ClassesStart by adding your classes to your schedule to get a clear idea of your academic commitments. These are non-negotiable time slots that you'll need to fit into your weekly schedule.
- Add Other CommitmentsAdd all the items already scheduled into your week, including classes, appointments, and part-time work. These are your non-negotiable obligations, so writing them into your schedule ensures you don't accidentally overlap them with other activities.
- Add Dedicated Homework TimeAdd dedicated study / homework time for working on your courses— eg. doing readings, working on assignments, or reviewing for a test. Spread these study blocks across the week instead of on busy days. In most cases, you will need one hour outside of class for each hour spent in class. Be sure to schedule these hours for when you are at your best.
- Add Weekly Class WorkAdd the specific class work you need to do for the week into these study periods, e.g. assigned readings, assignments, studying, etc.
- Other ObligationsAdd activities that need to be done that week but don’t have a set time. Try to spread these activities across the week so that they are not all concentrated on already busy days.
- Schedule DowntimeAdd other activities that provide balance in your life, such as spending time with friends or going to the gym.
Software Tutorials
Creating a weekly schedule in a tool such as Google Calendar and Outlook has several advantages:
- You can create a separate calendar just for your weekly schedule, and can hide this calendar from view, as needed.
- You can access these calendars online from anywhere and on multiple devices.
- You can download the Google Calendar or Outlook app and allow your phone to send you notifications about events.
