1. Prioritise and your brain will thank you.

In the heat of assessment time, every task feels like a Level 1 emergency. Suddenly, all seem equally urgent and it's hard to know where to begin. The key is to prioritise.

A good tip to break down your tasks is to sort them by deadline and impact. High-priority tasks are the ones due soon or that carry the most weight on your end-of-semester grade. For tasks with similar urgency, consider how much time or effort they'll require. Knocking out smaller tasks gives you momentum, while chipping away at the bigger ones over time helps you avoid that last-minute panic we discussed earlier.

The Eisenhower Matrix is a tried-and-true prioritisation technique used across multiple study contexts at uni. It lets you visually sort your activities according to urgency and importance, helping you make key distinctions between assessment tasks. It's a vital tool if you're struggling to figure out which task should top your list.

2. Don't procrastinate; break up your tasks into manageable chunks

Unfortunately, doom scrolling on social media for hours doesn't help you manage your time effectively at uni. Shocker, right? Procrastination might feel like temporary relief from study, but it leaves you with less time to catch up later (usually between 12 and 2am). Instead, set realistic goals and break your work into smaller, manageable chunks. Tackling a 20-minute task is much easier than staring at a massive mountain of work for hours.

Let's be clear: you don't need to ban your phone entirely. Research shows that short breaks can actually help you stay focused for longer. Enter the Pomodoro Technique. Developed in the 1980s, this study technique helps you power through tasks efficiently while incorporating well-earned breaks into your study sessions.

Here's how to do it in five simple steps:

1. Grab your to-do list and a timer (extra points if it is a tomato-shaped kitchen timer).
2. Set the timer for 25 minutes and focus on a single task until it goes off.
3. When the timer rings, mark off one Pomodoro (task) and note what you've achieved.
4. Take a well-deserved 5-minute break to recharge (that's some solid scroll time).
5. After four Pomodoros, treat yourself to a longer 15-30-minute restorative break (coffee, tea or snack perhaps?).

The key is balance. Breaks are essential.. Use them wisely rather than to procrastinate, and you'll conquer your to-do list in no time.

3. Take note of what makes you personally succeed

The way you study best probably looks different from the person sitting next to you. Everyone's brain works a little differently—which is great—but it means you'll need to adjust your study methods to fit what works for you. Ask yourself: are you more of a visual or auditory learner? Do you prefer ordering tasks in specific sequences? What motivates you? What helps you focus?

Notice the strategies that help you stay focused and motivated, and track how long it actually takes you to finish your assessment tasks.

Understanding your own study vibe makes time management easier and far less daunting.

4. Manage time, not the other way around

Finding a study routine that works for you can transform how you manage your day. One effective strategy: Time blocking. This helps you organise your study schedule by assigning specific time slots to different tasks.

Start by mapping out your day or week. Dedicate focused blocks of time to activities like studying, breaks, exercise, work, or hanging out with friends. Identify your peak productivity hours and schedule your most mentally demanding tasks into these times.

The key is to keep your plan structured enough to stay accountable but flexible enough to adapt when things change.

Tools like Outlook, Google Calendar, or productivity apps like Notion make time blocking easy to implement.

5. Study with a group to make yourself accountable

Sometimes, all you need is a little hype crew. Study groups or buddies help you manage your time while staying connected with friends and keeping you accountable. The idea is simple: set up a time to study together, either in person or online, share your goals for the session, and keep each other on track. We have lots of great spots to study around the ANU campus.

Techniques like the Study Sprint Method can make these sessions even more effective. Pick a task, set a timer (30 minutes works well) and work silently while your group does the same. At the end of the study burst, take a short break to chat, discuss learnings and compare notes.

Knowing someone else is in it with you makes even the longest study sessions more bearable. Plus, it's a lot harder to procrastinate when your friend catches you not opening your textbook or scrolling on your phone.

6. Ask for help when you need it

ANU offers countless resources to help you thrive and achieve your academic goals. You can access workshops, personalised one-on-one sessions and peer groups through ANU Academic Skills. These free services are available to all ANU students and designed to increase your confidence and support you in your studies.

Taking control of your time management isn't about being top of the class every time—it's about making your uni experience feel balanced and enjoyable and feeling like you're in control. We hope these tips help you reduce stress, stay on track and find a combination of study methods that work for you!