Rashmika recently joined an online degree course. As she already working but wanted to continue her studies. She thought it would be convenient for her, but she was always too tired to study after work. Her classes got missed, assignments got delayed, and she started feeling stressed.
Rashmika’s story is not special — it’s something every online student may face.
In India, a lot of students who choose online courses are not just students. They are also working professionals, housewives, or people who have to take care of their families. For them, managing time becomes very important. Without good time management, it’s easy to fall behind.
That’s why, in this blog, we’ll share 15 Best Time Management Strategies for Online Degree Students that can help online degree students stay on track, reduce stress, and make the most of their studies — even with a busy life.
Why is Time Management Important For Students Enrolled in an Online Degree?
- Helps You Stay Disciplined: In a traditional college, you have fixed class timings and teachers who guide you throughout the day. But in online learning, you are your guide. Time management helps you become more disciplined, so you don’t miss your classes or assignments.
- Prevents Delaying Work
When you have no fixed timetable, it is easy to keep saying “I’ll do it later.” This habit of delaying work is called procrastination. Good time management keeps you on track and helps you finish your work on time, instead of leaving it for the last minute. - Helps You Balance Work, Study, and Family
Many college students who take online courses are also doing jobs, running a home, or looking after children or elders. If you do not plan your day well, everything can get mixed up and nothing will get done properly. Time management helps you give enough time to each area of your life—your studies, your job, and your family. - Reduces Stress and Pressure
When you know what needs to be done and when to do it, you don’t feel anxious. You don’t have to rush or panic about missing deadlines. This helps you stay calm and focused, even when your schedule is busy. - Helps You Set and Achieve Goals
If you manage your time well, you can plan what you want to achieve each day, week, or month. You can set both short-term goals (like finishing a chapter) and long-term goals (like completing your semester with good marks). This gives you a clear direction in your studies. - Improves Academic Results
Students who plan their time and study regularly tend to do better in exams and assignments. Regular study and revision help you perform well and get higher marks. - Allows Time for Yourself
Managing time doesn’t mean working all day. It also helps you find time for yourself—whether it’s relaxing, watching a movie, doing yoga, or learning a new skill. You don’t feel like studies are taking over your entire life.
15 Best Time Management Strategies for Online Degree Students
- Create a schedule and stick to it.
When you are doing an online course, there is no fixed timetable like in school or college. So, you have to make your daily routine. This means deciding what you will do each day and at what time. You can plan your day by writing down your online class timings, study hours, work time (if you are working), and other responsibilities like helping at home or taking care of your family. Also add time for meals, short breaks, and sleep. This way, you won’t feel confused or rushed.
- Set clear goals and priorities.
When you have a lot of things to do, it can be hard to decide what to start with. That’s why you should always set clear goals and know what is most important. A goal is something you want to achieve. It can be something small, like finishing one topic today, or something big, like completing your course with good marks. Some tasks are more urgent than others. For example, if you have to submit an assignment tomorrow and also need to watch a recorded lecture, the assignment should come first.
- Use a planner or calendar.
Sometimes we forget things like class times or assignment dates because there’s too much on our mind. That’s why using a planner or calendar is very helpful. A planner or calendar is something where you write down all your important tasks. You can note your online class timings, assignment due dates, exam dates, and other work. When everything is written in one place, it’s easy to remember what to do and when.
You can use:
- A notebook or diary
- A wall calendar
- A mobile app like Google Calendar or a to-do list app
- Break tasks into smaller chunks.
When you look at a big task, like writing a long assignment or studying for an exam, it can feel very difficult and stressful. You may not know where to start, so you keep delaying it. The best way to manage this is by breaking the big task into smaller, easier parts. For example, instead of thinking about finishing the whole assignment in one go, start by reading the topic properly. Then plan what you want to write, do a little research, and write one part at a time.
- Avoid multitasking.
Doing many things at the same time may seem smart, but it makes your work slower and less correct. For example, if you try to attend an online class while using your phone or watching TV, you won’t be able to learn properly. Your mind keeps jumping from one thing to another, and you can’t focus well on anything. It is always better to do one thing at a time. When you give full attention to your class or assignment, you finish it faster and do it better.
- Take regular breaks.
If you study for many hours without stopping, your mind gets tired. You may start feeling sleepy, bored, or confused. That’s why taking short breaks while studying is very important. You can study for 25 to 30 minutes, then take a short 5-minute break. After a few rounds, take a longer break—maybe 15 or 20 minutes. During the break, you can walk around, stretch your body, drink water, or just close your eyes and relax. Try not to look at your phone too much, because it can waste more time.
- Stay organized and declutter your space.
A messy desk or room can make it hard to focus and study well. If your things are all over the place, you might waste time searching for what you need. Keep your study area clean and organised. Put your books, notebooks, and pens in one place. You can use folders or boxes to keep your study materials tidy. This way, you won’t waste time looking for things, and your mind will feel more focused.
- Use technology to your advantage.
Your phone or computer can help you study better if you use them in the right way. There are many apps that can make your learning easier. You can use a calendar app to remember class times and deadlines. A to-do list app can help you write down what you need to do each day. You can also use apps to take notes, set reminders, and even block time-wasting websites while you study.
- Review and adjust your schedule regularly.
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Maybe you couldn’t finish your work or something unexpected came up. That’s why it’s important to check your schedule every week and make changes if needed. If you see that you’re not following your plan, you can move things around or add more time for tasks. Your schedule should be flexible, so you don’t get stressed if something changes. By reviewing and adjusting your plan, you can stay on track and feel more in control of your time.
- Stay motivated and focused.
It can be hard to stay motivated when you study online, especially because there’s no teacher or classmates to help you stay on track. To stay focused, remind yourself why you are studying and what your goals are. This will help you keep going, even when things get tough. Set small goals for yourself, like finishing a chapter or completing an assignment. When you finish, give yourself a small reward, like a short break or a snack. This makes studying feel more rewarding.
- Prioritize sleep and physical health.
Taking care of your health is very important when you’re studying online. If you don’t get enough sleep or stay active, it becomes hard to concentrate and study properly. Make sure to sleep for at least 7-8 hours every night. Good sleep helps you feel fresh and focus better on your work. Also, try to move your body every day. You don’t need to exercise for hours—simple activities like walking, stretching, or doing light yoga can help you feel more energetic and less stressed.
- Use time-blocking to schedule tasks.
Time-blocking means setting specific times for each task. Instead of just saying “I will study today,” you choose a fixed time, like 10 AM to 12 PM, to study one subject or work on one task. This method helps you stay focused, as you know exactly what you need to do at that time. It also stops you from wasting time or jumping between different tasks. Remember to take small breaks between study blocks.
- Learn to manage stress and anxiety.
Sometimes, studying online can make you feel stressed or worried, especially when there’s too much to do. It’s okay to feel this way, but it’s important to handle it well. Try doing things that help you relax, like taking deep breaths, meditating, or going for a short walk. These simple activities can make you feel less stressed and help you focus better. Also, make sure to take breaks while studying.
- Stay connected with your online community.
Studying alone at home can sometimes feel isolating, especially when you have questions or need motivation. That’s why staying connected with other students is important. Join online study groups or talk to your classmates through social media or discussion forums. This lets you share ideas, ask questions, and stay motivated together. You can even have virtual study sessions where everyone studies at the same time, even if you’re all in different places.
- Review and reflect on your progress.
It’s important to regularly check how you’re doing with your studies. Take some time to look at what tasks you’ve finished and if you’re following your schedule. Are you meeting your goals, or do you need to adjust anything? Think about what’s working well and what can be improved. This helps you stay on track and make changes if needed.
Also Read:- How To Stay Motivated While Taking Online Classes with A Full-Time Job
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Conclusion
These were the tips that can help you to manage your time while your online degree, as good time management is very important for doing well in an online degree. Whether you are working, taking care of your family, or studying, organizing your day and staying focused will help you manage everything better.
By following the time management tips we’ve discussed, like making a schedule, setting goals, and taking breaks, you can stay on top of your work without feeling stressed. The key is consistency—small changes in how you manage your time can lead to big improvements in your studies and well-being.
FAQs
Q1: How can I manage my time better when I have a full-time job and study online?
Ans:Make a clear schedule that includes your work hours, study time, and personal time. Use time-blocking to focus on one task at a time and prioritize important things. Don’t forget to take breaks.
Q2: What should I do if I feel overwhelmed with online studies?
Ans:Break your tasks into smaller parts and focus on one thing at a time. Take short breaks when needed, and talk to someone if you feel too stressed.
Q3: How can I stay motivated while studying online?
Ans:Set small goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Stay in touch with classmates through online groups to share ideas and stay motivated together.
Q4: How important is sleep for online students?
Ans:Sleep is very important. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. It helps you stay focused, energized, and ready to study.
Q5: What tools can I use to stay organized while studying online?
Ans:You can use apps like Google Calendar or Notion to keep track of your classes and assignments. A simple to-do list or even a paper planner works well, too.