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thetammyjo -> RE: Soon to be Student wants to keep the lifestyle, Help! (8/28/2008 6:35:32 AM)
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If you are currently in a relationship the best person to discuss changes with is that other person.
Figure out what your class schedule will be and how much time you need to study. As an educator who has helped students with this very issue I'm going to offer you some advice on time management. Ignore if you wish but I taught it for several years and it works very well for those willing to put the plan into action.
First, make a weekly schedule. You have only 168 hours a week -- you cannot change, you can only change what you do with those hours.
Schedule your in-class and at-work time because those are generally not flexible.
Then schedule time to sleep and take care of yourself. Do not cheat yourself here -- most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep a day to function at full level.
Then determine how much study time you will need. My guideline is 3 outside hours for each in-class hour. Think that is too much? So what, if you schedule it you'll have it for big products and test prep; if you don't schedule it you are screwed. Consider a week when you get things done in less time a reward.
Stop.
Before you write those study times into your schedule consult with your top/dom. What times will she/he be available in their own schedule. Try to find about 30 minutes to an hour each day you touch base with each other; then a couple of hours a week to hang out/play -- this is all assuming you do not live together. If you live together, still try to set aside specific time to just be together each day and do plan your play time more.
Then give yourself a hour a day to just relax and take care of you.
Now go to your schedule and work all that out onto a chart so you can understand it easily. Make copies of it and for one week try it out, adjust as needed and revise. Then make new copies and try it out for a month, adjust as needed then try to stick to the plan for the rest of the semester.
Schedule time for bigger rewards after midterms and finals but never ever reward yourself when you do not stay on top of assignments. The biggest problem I see with students is thinking of the fun things first instead of thinking of the necessary things first.
I graduated summa cum laude following this time management plan, I took 18 credit hours a semester, worked a part-time job, had multiple boyfriends, lots of friends, went to events, participated in political and social activities, and never ever did homework on weekends because I manged my study so well.
The day to start an assignment is the day you get it. The day to tackle new ideas is as soon after that class as possible. If you are confused, ask immediately so you don't learn incorrect information.
Good luck! You can do this but it will require solid time management and a strong drive from both you and your top.
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