Getting to Class on Time

Managing time effectively is not only a bug challenge for many students but also plays an instrumental role in determining academic success. With the busy schedule associated with school work and other activities, students are having difficulties to manage their time effectively in order to ensure that they get to class on time and complete other important tasks. The feasible solution to the problem is developing the habit of effective time management; this explains the variation in academic success among students, wherein managing time effectively increases the chances of one getting to class on time and academic success (Wise and Hauser 85). At school, getting to class on time is one of the most prevalent problems that students face, which stems from the overcrowding. In addition, the conditions at the campus tend to aggravate the problem; for instance, lecture halls are far apart and limited time of moving between lectures. Under these conditions, even if one can get to school on time, it is highly likely that he/she will be late for class. There are a myriad of solutions for attending classes on time. This paper argues that learning the habit of managing time effectively can be ideal solution to this problem.

The first step for a student to manage his/her time effectively entails coming up with a list of tasks that are to be completed within the regular school days. The to-do list acts as a guide for the student’s day. Examples of possible activities could include wake up at 6 am, preparations and breakfast by 7 am, attend lecture for English 99 at 8am, and go to the library at 9.30 am among others. Listing the activities to be done during the day helps one to perceive the importance of time; this is a significant milestone in the move towards attending classes on time. In addition, students need to be realistic when listing their to-do tasks and their appropriate time frames; for instance, one should always get adequate sleep, allocating a realistic time for grooming and dressing and using restrooms when needed. When drafting the to-do list, students have to be realistic and organized. Being realistic entails paying attention to the time durations that things take to get to be done (Wise and Hauser 100). For instance, the bus ride to school could be only taking five minutes but the wait times could be longer. In this regard, students should learn the habit of timing how it takes for him/her to move from one place to another and then allocate this time.

The second step for students to manage their time effectively and attend classes on time is to prioritize their activities. After jotting the to-do list, it is essential for one to rank the entries depending on their importance. In this regard, tasks that are related directly to class work should be prioritized first. Other tasks that are not meaningful can be either deferred or done away with. For example, time for restrooms is not necessarily needed and should be avoided when possible; adequate sleep is vital for optimal brain function and students should form a part of one’s scholastic habits; and avoiding chats in between classrooms.

Attending classes on time using an effective time management approach requires discipline. It is imperative for one to stick to the time duration set forth for a particular activity by eluding any potential distractions that are likely to hinder a student from completing the tasks on time. For example, avoid habits such as replying to the one last email when it is time to get out of the door and go to school. One should also learn to say no some distracters. Is your roommate informing you about his/her last night out? Is your mother calling persistently? In such cases, it is imperative to tell the truth and not have ant guilty conscience whatsoever; this is because they are distracting and one needs to be on his way to class. Avoiding possible distractions can also be achieved by altering one’s self-sabotaging behavior and embracing discipline, effective time management and accountability. In addition, one should avoid the habit of postponing tasks. For instance, if one is given homework, it is imperative that the assignment be done immediately or during the time allocated for assignments. This will ensure that other activities are done according to plan, which results in class attendance on time. A case in point is watching a movie instead of finishing assignments; this will eat up the sleeping time, resulting in extended sleep and waking up late; as a result, the schedule for the day will be distorted completely increasing the changes of one attending classes late (Wise and Hauser 102).

In conclusion, one should make it a habit to manage his/her time in an effective manner. Maintaining a strict observance of the plan can be extremely tricky but feasible with a small extension of one’s level of patient. The habit of managing time effectively will ensure that one understands his/her surroundings, understands the importance of time, and have the appropriate discipline to ensure that tasks are completed in time to allow him/her to attend classes in time. It is evident that the effective time management approach is holistic and addresses the various challenges that students are likely to face when trying to be on time when attending class. There is no single solution to attending classes on time such as waking up early, running in between classes, avoiding the snooze button, and having an effective transportation to school; however, the solution entails integrating all these elements in one’s time management system.

Works Cited

Wise, Caroline and Stephanie Hauser. The College Buzz Book, 2007. New York: Vault Inc, 2007.