If you don't already use an online calendar, this might be the time to get one. (Or, at the very least, a paper diary). Graduate students are usually exceptionally busy: with lectures and supervisions, attending events, getting involved in societies, and so much more. Setting up your system now so you can keep track of all of these events will be time extremely well spent.
There are several options available in terms of online calendars. You might be looking for something to sync with your devices, or your emails; something you can share with family, friends or coursemates; or just a really simple, straightforward one. Here are some recommendations.
I have used my Google calendar more than I ever have in my life, that's for sure.
- MPhil (Part III) Maths student, 2017-18
There are many ways in which you can use software and apps to help you stay on top of your workload. There are to-do list apps, project management software that you can use as an individual, ways to track how much time you're spending on your various commitments, and more.
Some of these can be quite labour intensive, will take time to set up and sustain, and vary considerably in terms of their complexity, intensity and ability to make you feel guilty about your workload. So think critically about these options - and what you feel you actually need the functionality to be.
As a graduate student, you'll probably have an extensive workload, and you'll need to be certain to use your time wisely, so that you can keep on top of things and ensure you have time to relax and take time away from your work. While it's much easier said than done, one of the more effective ways of doing this is to avoid being distracted by the internet, so here are some ways that you can do that.
Image credits
image #1: CC0 by Marjiana1 via Pixabay; Image #2: CC0 by rawpixel via Pixabay; Image #3: CC0 by Sonja Langford via Unsplash
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