Time Management Tips I Actually Use

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Olivia

Hey y’all!
If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that time is fake until you have three assignments, two club meetings, and a quiz all due in the same 48 hours. I used to feel like I was constantly chasing the clock, but over the last couple semesters I’ve found a few time management tricks that actually work for me. Not the Pinterest “wake up at 4 a.m. and run ten miles” type. Realistic ones. Student ones. The bare minimum to keep your life together.
Here are the time management tips I actually use:

1. The 30 Minute Reset
At the start of each week, I sit down for thirty minutes and map out what’s due. Not the whole month, not the whole semester, just the week. I’ve learned that looking too far ahead freaks me out, so I keep it simple. I write down deadlines, classes, meetings, and any extra stuff I want to get done. Boom. One half hour and I go into the week knowing what’s coming.

2. My Two Task Rule
Every day I choose two things that MUST get done. Not ten. Not five. Two. And if I get those done, I consider the day a win. If I get more done, cool. If not, I don’t feel like I’ve failed. This keeps my to-do list from becoming a horror movie.

3. Study in Short Bursts
I’ve accepted that I’m not the “study for three hours straight” girl. I do 25 to 40 minute bursts, take breaks, and come back. I get way more done that way and don’t end up staring at my notes like they’re written in a different language.

4. I Don’t Multitask Anymore
I used to think multitasking made me productive. It didn’t. It made me tired. Now I do one thing at a time and finish it before starting the next. My brain is happier. My homework is better. My stress is lower.

5. Use Your Random Gaps
Those weird 20 or 30 minute gaps between classes? Life changers. I use them to answer emails, review a quiz, do a discussion post, or even just start an assignment. Even doing a tiny piece early saves so much stress later.

6. Plan “Nothing Time”
This might sound silly, but I plan time where I do absolutely nothing productive. Scroll my phone. Lay on my bed. Stare at the ceiling. If I don’t plan downtime, I burn out fast. Rest counts too. Studying effectively is almost impossible without your body and mind being fully rested.

7. Don’t Wait for Motivation
Most days I’m not “motivated.” I just start. Even if I only plan to work for five minutes, half the time I keep going. Starting is the hardest part, so I trick myself by lowering the bar.

8. Keep Everything in One Place
Calendar, assignments, reminders, all in one app. If I spread my life across five platforms, I forget everything. One home for all my deadlines has saved me a lot of unnecessary stress.

9. Let Yourself Off the Hook
Some days don’t go as planned. Some weeks are pure chaos. And that’s okay. Time management isn’t about being perfect. It’s about keeping yourself afloat and making life a little easier. I give myself permission to reset instead of spiraling.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, time management isn’t some magical personality trait people are born with. It’s a bunch of small choices you make that add up over time. You don’t need a perfect routine or a color coded planner to get your life together. You just need a system that works for you and gives you enough structure to stay sane. Try a few of these tips, adjust them, and build your own version of “organized chaos.” You’ve got this.

Until next time ✈️,
Olivia Strickland

How to Survive Finals Without Losing Your Sanity

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Olivia

Hey y’all!

Finals season is coming up again, which means campus is about to turn into a mix of caffeine, chaos, and people crying in the library at 2 in the morning. Whether this is your first round of college finals or you’re basically a seasoned academic warrior, finals week hits hard.

Here are some tips that have actually helped me survive finals without completely falling apart.

1. Start Earlier Than You Think You Need To

I know it’s not fun, but trust me, if you start even a week earlier it saves you from the “three exams in two days” meltdown later.

What helps:

1. Break chapters into chunks

2. Make a simple study schedule

3. Review notes for 20 to 30 minutes a day instead of cramming

4. Future you will thank you.

2. Organize Everything

Finals week feels overwhelming mostly because everything feels everywhere.
Before you study, take 10 minutes to gather:

1. Notes

2. PowerPoints

3. Textbook sections

4. Review sheets

5. Past quizzes

Put everything in one place, like your laptop, a folder, or a binder. When your materials feel organized, your brain feels organized.

3. Use Study Methods That Actually Work for You

Everyone studies differently, and finals is not the time to pretend you are a different person.

Some ideas:

1. Flashcards if you are a tactile learner

2. Practice problems for math and science

3. Record notes if you learn by listening. Only if the professor is okay with this!

4. Teaching the material to a friend or even your wall

Study smarter, not harder.

4. Take Breaks or Your Brain Will Revolt

Studying for eight hours straight does not make you productive. It makes you miserable.

Use:

1. Pomodoro sessions

2. Walks

3. Stretching

4. Food

5. Music breaks

6. A nap

Your brain will retain more when you give it time to breathe.

5. Eat Real Food

Snack bars, ramen, and iced coffee do not count as a meal (sorry).
Your brain performs worse when you do not eat properly.

Quick, college friendly study meals:

1. Bagel and cream cheese

2. Fruit and granola

3. Wraps

4. Quesadillas

5. Yogurt bowls

6. Pasta with anything on it

Just try to eat something with sustenance at least once. For me, that is usually
pasta noodles but do what makes you feel the best.

6. Do Not Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Ask:

1. Professors

2. TAs

3. Study groups

4. Classmates

5. Tutors

If you do not understand something, you are not the only one. Office hours are your best friend during finals.

7. Sleep. Seriously.

Pulling all nighters is the biggest scam in college culture. You will retain nothing and feel exhausted. This is the most important thing when studying for finals.

Try to get:

1. 6 to 8 hours of sleep

2. A consistent sleep schedule

3. A break from screens before bed

Finals are hard enough without being completely drained.

8. Set Up a Finals Survival Kit

This saved my life last semester. Pack:

1. Chargers

2. Pens and highlighters

3. Sticky notes

4. Caffeine

5. Snacks

6. Chapstick

7. A hoodie

8. A water bottle

Keep it all in one bag so you can grab it and go.

Final Thoughts

Finals week is tough, but you are tougher. Remember that your grades do not define your worth. Do your best, take care of yourself, and celebrate when it is all over.

Good luck, y’all. You have got this.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before College

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Olivia

Hey guys, I’m back! 🌸

This week I thought I’d talk about some of the misconceptions I had about college before I got here. I remember being so excited to start my university adventures in the summer of 2024 and thinking I was so prepared. Sure, I had everything packed and ready to go, but I was still unprepared for all the experiences I was about to have.

After making it through my first year here at Riddle, I wanted to share a few things I’ve learned that I wish I had known beforehand.

1. How to Actually Study
In high school, I never really struggled with tests. So, naturally, I thought college exams wouldn’t be much different. Boy, was I wrong.
University exams are tougher — longer, worded differently, and they carry way more weight on your final grade. My first few didn’t go so well. I went from straight A’s in high school to straight C’s in college. That was my wake-up call.
Eventually, I discovered flashcards and tactile learning. Reading textbook chapters alone just wasn’t cutting it for me. In my University 101 class, we learned about different learning styles, and I took a quiz that revealed I learn best through hands-on methods. Rewriting my notes into flashcards seemed like a hassle at first, but it worked — my grades went up, and I walked into exams with way more confidence.
✨ Pro tip: Take one of those learning style quizzes. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. It’s Okay to Fail
I used to think that getting anything less than an A or B was unacceptable. But here’s the truth: sometimes you give your best effort, and it still isn’t enough for the grade you hoped for. And that’s okay.
Older friends warned me with the classic “C’s get degrees” line, and I thought they were crazy. Fast forward a year later, and suddenly I was celebrating 75s on exams.
Here’s what I learned: don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself to be perfect. Use your professor’s office hours, ask for help when you need it, and remind yourself that nobody has it all figured out. You’ll get through it.

3. The Importance of a Creative Outlet
When I first got here, I noticed I was losing the creativity I once had. I’d been heavily involved in theater and arts throughout high school, and I missed that part of myself.
That’s when I found UnReel Media. This club gave me a space to keep growing as an actress, not only on stage but also on camera. Recently, I even started writing my own short film (stay tuned for updates 👀).
If you can’t find a club that fits your passion, start your own. Chances are, other people are looking for the same thing. Clubs also help you meet upperclassmen who can share advice from their own experiences.

4. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out
When I arrived at Riddle, I planned on being an engineer. Spoiler: that didn’t last long. Switching into Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS) was terrifying because I didn’t know anything at first. But I slowly adjusted, and eventually it started to feel like the right place for me.
Even now, I’ve changed my mind a dozen times about what I want to do with my degree — and that’s normal. Take a deep breath, explore your options, and remember: the world is your oyster.

5. Bonus: AMS Labs Will Humble You 🔧🪚
Let me tell you, labs will test your patience.
In one of my first labs (AMS 117: Tools and Materials), I had to cut aluminum with a hacksaw. I was so nervous. I wasted three pieces of practice metal before I finally managed to cut out my multigage. Thankfully, with guidance from my professor and TA, I got through it.
More recently, a friend and I were tasked with removing the spinner from an aircraft during a 100-hour inspection project. Taking it off? Easy. Getting it back on? A nightmare. After two hours, three professors, and lots of grease, it still wasn’t attached. We walked out covered in dust, shaking our heads — but laughing, too. That’s the true mechanic experience.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, college is a great experience. You’ll grow, be challenged, and discover more about yourself than you expected. Just remember to have fun, give it your best, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️

How To Survive Finals 101

Posted on January 16, 2025 by Isabella

Whether you have a bunch of exams, only projects, or a combination of both, finals week (and frankly, the last 2-3 weeks of the semester) can be super tough. Here are some of my tips for surviving this time of the semester.

“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first” – Mark Twain
- I like to refer this as the “frog mentality” half because it’s funny to say and half because it actually works. During this time of the semester, everything seems like a daunting task, but you will always have a few per day that you prefer to do over others due to fun factor, length of time, interaction with people, etc. I like to sort these tasks into a list of frogs (biggest to smallest) and tackle the big ones first. Start your day when the sun is shining and birds are chirping to do the largest, most dreadful task first. Then, finish up your day with the ones you like. This will not only force you to be productive as you race to get to those tasks you like but also make the day more pleasant.
I mentioned this in my last post, but studying in a group is great. It gives you some accountability for focusing on your work and boosts your mood while tackling those big frogs.
Pomodoros
- My boyfriend actually introduced me to this technique recently. We were having trouble either focusing at all or focusing way to much for many hours resulting in being burnt out for many hours after that. Either way, this was not productive. Pomodoros are a timed system where you work for increments of 25 minutes with 5 minute mandated breaks in between each time. This is fun to do with friends, as well. If you need some extra motivation, there are some pomodoro apps out there that let you grow a virtual garden and don’t let you use your phone for other purposes. There are also some YouTube channels like LofiGirl that now do pomodoro livestreams with cool music in the background.
Self care
- Self care is essential and will actually help you be more productive since you are less likely to burn out as easily. This could be as simple as putting on a nice face mask while you work on a take-home exam or taking a 30 minute break to take a walk outside with your roommate. Get some fruits and vegetables, eat some protein, touch some grass, and take care of yourself. Your grades and concentration capacity will thank you for it.
Checklists
- I find checklists to be super satisfying. I like to check things off and know I accomplished something. Apps like Todoist (my personal favorite) will throw little virtual confetti at you and congratulate you for different productivity goals.
- Make sure to also split these checklist items into something manageable. It may be more rewarding and motivating to check off 3 tasks, 1 for each part of your take-home exam, than one big task called “take-home exam”.

Notes & Studying & Exams! Oh my!

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Isabella

I came into ERAU with a less common background. I was in virtual school from 4th through 12th grade. This trained me to prefer a certain type of learning: throw a textbook at me and tell me to learn it by myself. I did and still do really well with this approach. As I attended more and more lectures at ERAU, I survived but noticed that I did not feel 100% comfortable with their type of learning experience. Thus, for any new virtual schooled students or just new students in general, now as a senior, I wanted to share some of the techniques I have developed over the years.

MOST classes here at ERAU, at least the ones in my experience as an EP student, have a distinct system. You attend lectures, do homework, and take exams. I have a certain note-taking/studying system that has worked very well.
I use OneNote to do all of this because I like being able to see everything at a glance. I keep one large notebook; each semester has its own section group. Then, there is a section for each class. Each page is for a day of lecture, homework, or type of note.

Attend class to take lecture notes
- Focus on writing down what is on the board & any other important things the professor says
- Don’t be afraid to ask “will this be on the exam”
- Ask if you are confused!
- If not already specified by the professor, ask for what part of the textbook things correspond to & what extra practice problems you can do
Study at home!!
- Take notes on the textbook
  - Create another notes page for textbook notes
  - I know it can feel wrong to do sometimes, but mark up your textbook!! Highlight definitions in yellow and important facts in blue. And then write notes in the margins or do extra math next to the examples.
- Take notes on any PowerPoint slides or supplemental material on Canvas
- Start homework early to fully understand the problem
  - In my opinion, it is okay to use an answer key (if given/permitted by your professor of course) as long as you understand how to get there. In fact, this process can make learning easier sometimes!
- Do any extra practice problems that you can
  - If you are confused (or even if you aren’t), take these by the professor’s office hours or email it to them for feedback and extra tips!
Exam time
- Glance through notes, especially for around 15 minutes leading up to the exam. Your short term memory is a powerful tool.
- Redo all of your homework and practice problems on a big whiteboard for a day or so before the exam and see how fast you can get through them. Timing is key in some of these classes!
- Study with your classmates. Even if you feel like you understand the material fully, someone else may have a perspective that will make you go WOAH

A New Semester

Posted on January 16, 2020 by Kyara

We have officially entered a great semester and a new decade. Syllabus and introductions into your course days are behind you and now, now we are going to truly get our hands dirty with our courses.

Winter break is over and we just finished our second week of school. This transition from relaxation to school work, work, and extracurriculars is a tough one to navigate and reacclimate to. I’ve been a college kid for 3 years now and I still struggle but I have developed some self tips to help me manage.

Tip #1 Google Calendar is your best friend.

The biggest change from break life to school life is the impending need to plan and effectively time manage. This app will help you plan out a day-to-day schedule and provide reminders for each task. Most people have planners, but an electronic planner is a nice reinforcement to ensure you are on top of your tasks and are fully aware of your free time, so you can plan out times to unwind and have fun.

Tip #2 Utilize Office Hours early on.

Many people tend to rush to a professor’s office hours days before a final hoping to understand all content and material covered in class in merely one or two sessions. Do not follow that lead. Establishing a rapport with your professors early on will allow them to see how much effort your are putting into the course and in the long run will help you understand the content more. If office hours with your professor doesn’t provide enough aid, don’t you fret, there are so many more resources available to you. Supplemental Instruction sessions are available and schedules can be found upon entering the College of Arts and Sciences. The tutoring center provides aid in many subjects such as: math, chemistry, physics, writing, ES courses, and EGR 115. Utilize all your resources around, not as a cram tool but rather a regular tool in order to do well in your courses.

Tip #3 Organize your space.

Now that your schedule is in place and you’ve received aid from school, it’s time to begin your studies. Choose which space works best with you, whether it be working in the library, studying in the college buildings such as the College of Engineering or College of Business, or even the comfort of a desk in your own living space. Choosing and organizing said study area is extremely important. Make sure you provide yourself a space void of distractions and where everything you might need for your coursework is readily available. A clean space can mean a more welcoming environment for learning and a more productive study time. Just remember to give yourself study breaks so you don’t burn out.

Tip #4 College is a time of hard work but also a time for fun.

It’s super easy to go into a new semester running, but make sure you don’t wear yourself out. It’s been around a month or more since you’ve re-entered the strange world of being a college student. During breaks, more than likely, your routine was calm, so its best to gradually merge into your new schedule. To avoid burnout, please plan out times in which you can unwind and relax. It doesn’t have to be a whole day or costly. Plan a movie night in the dorms one weekend, schedule a board game night with friends, or even leisurely read. Just make sure you make time for a breather.

And lastly remember just try your best! You’ve got this!

It’s Crunch Time

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Nicolas

Next week is the last week of classes of the 2017 Spring Semester! This also means that “It’s Crunch Time” before we head towards summer. It is time to finish those last semester projects/presentations and study for finals.

On Monday, I have a presentation in my Social Responsibility and Ethics Management class. During the semester, we had to volunteer and do ten hours of community service hours as part of a project called Civil Engagement Project.

The following day, I have a group presentation in my Strategic Management class. We will report on how our company did during the eight rounds simulation. During those rounds, we produced sensors and sold them on the market. We were competing against other groups in our classroom.

Thursday will be my last day of classes at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University!

There are no classes on Friday as this day is dedicated to studying. My professor in my Aviation Labor Relations course will post our final exam on Canvas (online); we will have two days to complete it.

I will have a total of four “real” final exams that will take place during finals week (Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). My other exams for my other three classes will be taken online.

In just about two weeks on May 8, I will be graduating!

Here are 10 Study Tips to help you prepare for your final exams:

Do not look at the course material for the first time the day before the exam. Most professors mention the dates of assignments, quizzes, and exams during the first week of classes.
Take notes in class and review them on the same day you took them.
Start looking slowly at the material a week or a few days before the test. You will learn and memorize a lot more if you study a little bit every day.
If you created a study guide, try to break it up and study one part at a time. It will be easier if you study it in small chunks instead of reading the whole study guide again and again.
Create a short song or a series of letters when you have to memorize things involving steps or chronology. One time I had to memorize the 6 types of religious conversion. So I just remembered the first letter of each word and it sounded like this IMEARC.
Repeating things loudly or writing them down many times on a sheet of paper will help you to remember the information for the exam.
Quiz yourself or get a friend to ask you some questions. I often use Quizlet to test myself. There is a test option where the website generates a set of questions from the data you have to learn.
Get all the information possible you can from your professor. Sometimes, they will tell you the format of the exam (multiple choices, true or false, short answers, short essays and/or long essays) and the number of questions.
Take a break. Don’t study for hours in one sitting, but take some short breaks and move around.
The night before the test, don’t stay up late at night to study. You should have studied a few days before and be ready. You will do better on the on the exam if you have a good night of sleep.

Good luck on your exams!

Nicolas

10 Study Tips

Posted on September 26, 2016 by Nicolas

Hello readers!

Last week, I had my first exam of the semester in my Comparative Religions class. This week and next week, I will also have other tests in the rest of my classes. I’ll take this opportunity to give a few study tips to ensure you do well and don’t stress during the days leading to the test.

Do not look at the course material for the first time the day before the exam. Most professors mention the dates of assignments, quizzes, and exams during the first week of classes.
Take notes in class and review them on the same day you took them.
Start looking slowly at the material a week or a few days before the test. You will learn and memorize a lot more if you study a little bit every day.
If you created a study guide, try to break it up and study one part at a time. It will be easier if you study it in small chunks instead of reading the whole study guide again and again.
Create a short song or a series of letter when you have to memorize things which involve steps or chronology. Last week, I had to memorize the 6 types of religious conversion. So I just remembered the first letter of each word and it sounded like this IMEARC.
Repeating things loudly or writing them down many times on a sheet of paper will help you to remember the information for the exam.
Quiz yourself or get a friend to ask you some questions. I often use Quizlet to test myself. There is a test option where the website generates a set of questions from the data you have to learn.
Get all the information possible you can from your professor. Sometimes, they will tell you the format of the exam (multiple choices, true or false, short answers, short essays and/or long essays) and the number of questions.
Take a break. Don’t study for hours in one sitting, but take some short breaks and move around.
The night before the test, don’t stay up late at night to study. You should have studied a few days before and be ready. You will do better on the on the exam if you have a good night of sleep.

Good luck!