Time Blocking v. To-Do Lists

For a busy college student, a planner may just be the saving grace to a schedule full of exams, projects, extracurriculars, date parties and much more. The only debate is how to use it. From a simple to-do list every day, to a full-blown time-blocked schedule down to the minute, it’s all about preference. However, if the busy college students are confused about what may work best, VALLEY wants to lay out the pros and cons of each type of scheduling. 

Finding the Perfect Planner

There are many brands of planners and ways to plan out a jam-packed schedule. There’s always a simple Post-it note to brain dump everything that needs to get done, but that may get lost easily. For those who prefer digital planners, try using the notes app for a simple approach. Google Calendar or Google Keep are also efficient ways to keep everything well-thought-out and planned. For the die-hard paper planner lovers, many are offered at stores like Target. A new and trending brand for planners is The Dailee. These planners are designed for anyone. College students, moms, content creators, there’s something out there for everyone. No matter the choice, there are efficient ways to plan a long week ahead. 

Photo from thedailee.com
To-Do Lists

A simple to-do list never hurt anyone. Need to brain dump everything you’ve thought about doing for the last month? Write a to-do list. Endless homework assignments for the week? Write a to-do list. There are so many instances where a to-do list may be needed. With that being said, they are extremely effective, especially for those who get immediate satisfaction after checking off that little box. However, during a busy week, looking at a daunting list of tasks may just send someone into a spiral. In that case, time blocking makes for a great alternative. 

Photo from Pinterest.com
Time Blocking

This method of planning has become trendy recently. For those who need to have their days planned out until their head hits the pillow, time blocking may be the best option. For a college student, a large grid of the hours of the day can be helpful to plan out class times, extracurriculars, and time to eat (because college students often forget to do that with such busy schedules). The biggest pro with time blocking is that every hour of the day is planned, without the frenzy of wondering when to get everything done. However, the second something gets messed up in an hour of the time block, the day can turn into a complete frenzy.  

Photo from Pinterest.com

While there may be no number one when it comes to time blocking or to-do lists, college students should choose what works best for them. They both offer valuable tools for managing the demands of college life, but their effectiveness depends on each student’s needs and learning style. 

Let us know what style of planning you like best on Instagram @VALLEYmag!

Related

271 Comments

  • Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  • vigorlon says:

    I’m impressed, I have to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your idea is excellent; the problem is something that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I am very pleased that I stumbled throughout this in my search for something referring to this.

  • flixy tv says:

    I am not very superb with English but I get hold this real easygoing to interpret.

  • flixy tv says:

    I precisely wished to thank you very much all over again. I am not sure the things I would have used in the absence of those creative concepts provided by you concerning my situation. It has been the traumatic condition for me, however , being able to see this specialized form you dealt with it made me to weep over happiness. I’m thankful for your support and thus sincerely hope you recognize what a powerful job you happen to be doing educating some other people with the aid of your webpage. I am certain you haven’t met any of us.

  • flixy tv says:

    Hello.This post was really remarkable, particularly because I was investigating for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.

  • Hola! I’ve been reading your weblog for some time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Houston Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent job!

  • pcxwin says:

    I like this post, enjoyed this one appreciate it for posting. “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.” by Albert Einstein.

  • pcxwin says:

    I’m really impressed along with your writing talents and also with the structure for your weblog. Is this a paid topic or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s rare to peer a nice blog like this one today..

  • You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. Always follow your heart.

  • I think this is one of the most important info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is great, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *