time management

Most new students are acquainted with the challenges of balancing work, home and family life along with their rigorous school requirements.There is, however, a part of the student population
that bears an additional burden. This is the International Student. Not only must this type of student adjust to many new things scholastically, they must also try to balance their work, home and family life while becoming adjusted to a new culture with new, sometimes unknown rules and requirements.Most often they are separated from their families and all that is familiar, including the rhythm of time management in their own culture, for the first time. Sometimes these distances are quite substantial.First year International students face many difficulties in their adjustment to school responsibilities and campus life.One of the most difficult adjustments to face is that
of how to managetheir time within their new cultural setting and with their newacademic responsibilities. Many of them are away from thestructure and comfort of their homes,culture, etc.
They must not only learn a new culture, but they must learn the culture within the culture of their new school and each classroom.They must do this while maintaining adequate grades, healthy social interaction and cultural support, and usually some kind of employment.Many students, not aware of the challenges facing them, start in to their new environmentwithout a plan to adjust their schedules to accommodatetheir special needs. It takes timeto figure out the rhythm of rest and activity that makes up the daily life of the student, often it cannot be done until thestudent is actually within the situation and environment to actually see the demands andthen prioritize them. The problem may come in when the impact of this is underestimated by the student and it catches him or her by surprise.There is a need for the student to realize that they need to not only be proactive
, but overthe horizon proactive, that is, looking far enough ahead to anticipate needs and how to
address them before they come up. One of the ways that they can do this is to be self- aware,
knowing their own needs, limits and personal rhythm. They can then fit this personal
rhythm into their school and cultural rhythm. This can be broken down into monthly, weekly
and daily plans. This type of student can take advantage especially of the built in support
of counselors, mentors, and advisors. It is also a good idea to stay close in communication
with their teachers, advising them if they are having a problem keeping up right away,
rather than waiting until the last minute when the load becomesunbearable.

When trying to manage their time wisely, and balance in rest times as well, students need
to pay attention to the times when they are most alert for study in their subjects. Usually the morning and the afternoons work the best for study time.Beginning a large amount ofstudy in the
late evening is difficult for most people, although some students are nightowls and prefer
to study at night time when they are more alert. This habit can conflict,however, with the
early rising time necessary for the first class. Such students should start their first class
late, if possible. Otherwise they will constantly be tired and off of their natural rhythm.
Simple things, such as getting adequate rest, stress relieving activities,exercise and eating
properly can all contribute to the success of the student who is underadditional stress in their
adjustment due to cultural reasons.Within the study time, it is wise to plan rest or a switch
in activity for every hour that they work. It is also advisable to switch subjects, or limit each
subject to about an hour at a time so that burn out is avoided.There are a few tried and true tips
for helping the student to make the most of their study time. To assist in concentration:
1. The environment should be conducive to good study and retention of information. This means that ideally the student should have a quiet place to study with out the interruption of the television, friends, phones, etc.
2 They should not work when they feel physically tired, hungry or cold
3, They should find regular to study
4. They should have all of their study materials handy.
5. They should lay aside any anxiety or problems, and just focus on their studies.
In summary:
*Make a weekly plan*Study time needed *Establish a pattern of study hours/productive work cycle *Know and anticipate length of study units*Know the value of rest periods