May 15, 2025
Managing Your Time |
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Spring quarter is understandably busy for everyone. Some of you will be completing your first or final year of graduate school, while others will be entering your second, third or more years depending on your degree program. No matter where you’re at in your trajectory, below are strategies that can help you protect your time.
Managing your schedule. Graduate school can often make you feel like you have no control over your schedule, but this is not true. It’s still possible to manage your time—block times in your weekly calendar where you have no flexibility, such as courses, appointments, firm deadlines, or work and family responsibilities. This will help you see the open time slots that you do have. Dedicate time during the week for activities that re-energize you, help you feel present and anchored, or are based on your hobbies and interests outside of graduate school. Make it a habit to create time for activities that are about taking care of yourself.
Setting boundaries. It’s important to say no to things that take time away from completing your goals. During graduate school, exciting or interesting professional, research, or civic opportunities may pique your interest. Ask yourself: Do these new opportunities align with my short- (or long-term) goals, or will they be a distraction? Do I have all the information I need to make an informed decision about participating in this new opportunity? Who in my network can I check in with to support me in making an informed decision? Beyond opportunities that may be necessary (e.g., a part-time job for financial reasons), will I have the time to participate in more projects? It is perfectly okay to say no to requests of your time—as only you know what you can realistically manage. Finally, we acknowledge that it’s not necessarily easy to set boundaries, but with practice, it can get easier.
Connecting with support. When the pressure is on, staying connected with individuals who support us and have our best interests in mind is essential. Do you need help staying motivated to do writing? Organize a virtual or in-person writing group with peers in your grad program—or from different departments. Do you need feedback on your work? Check in with your faculty advisor or mentor to ensure you are on the right track. Are you feeling anxious or stressed out? Reach out to a friend, a loved one, or a community member who can lend an empathic ear and help you remember your purpose for being in graduate school. Check out the related resources below (and consider trying out ones that you can adapt to your needs).
We hope these tips are helpful to you and let us know what has worked for you!
Best,
UW Graduate School
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