Time Management For Architecture Students
Architecture school is a busy place. You will find yourself overwhelmed by a huge amount of workload. Students find it really difficult to finish their work on time even after sleepless nights. Here are some tips for you to manage your time more efficiently in architecture school.
1.Remove Distractions:
Keep your desk clean and make your workspace as minimal as possible. Keep your phone aside when working on a project. You can separate your working devices. If you have a mobile phone and a computer, use your computer solely for work; in this case, do not log into your social media accounts or engage in entertainment activities. Reserve your phone for entertainment purposes only. This way, you will work distraction-free when using your computer.
2.Make a List of Tasks:
It is important to have a visual representation of your work. This provides a mental map of what needs to be done. Keep a journal to record your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks with all deadlines marked. Having a to-do list will help you organize. Reviewing the list will give you a clear idea of the tasks you need to finish each day, allowing you to stay focused and manage your time better.
3.Understand Your Priorities:
You only have 24 hours a day. You cannot do everything in one day, so you must prioritize. Identify three tasks as the top priorities each day. Focus on completing these tasks first. Once these are done, move on to the tasks of secondary importance. This approach minimizes distractions and ensures that the most important work is completed first.
4.Reward Yourself for Every Finished Task:
Try to reward yourself for every small achievement. As soon as you complete the top three priority tasks on your to-do list, reward yourself with a treat such as ice cream or a cookie. If you finish all the tasks on your list, reward yourself with the movie you’ve been eager to watch. This system helps maintain motivation and provides a sense of satisfaction after completing each task.
5.Practice Deep Work:
Architecture students often need to cover a variety of tasks requiring various skills. Instead of multitasking, focus intensely on one task for an extended period. Constantly switching between tasks disrupts focus and wastes time. Deep work produces more satisfying results.
6.Learn When to Stop:
Every studio project has set requirements. Many students struggle to know when to stop, leading to unfinished work or missed deadlines. It’s essential to recognize when your work has reached a sufficient level and move on to the next stage. Having a brilliant concept is pointless if you fail to meet project requirements due to excessive revisions.
7.Get Sufficient Sleep:
Yes, you read that right. Sleep is not a waste of time, even on the night before a submission. Working while sleep-deprived is inefficient because the brain requires rest to function optimally. Adequate sleep improves focus and productivity. Working without enough sleep is counterproductive. Taking short naps during breaks can help you finish work faster and more effectively.
8.Productive Holidays:
Just as a car’s engine consumes more fuel when starting, the brain requires more energy at the beginning of a project. Starting a project is often the most challenging part, with procrastination being common. To combat this, stay engaged with architecture even during holidays. Learn a new software, undertake a paid project, read books about master architects and their works, or spend dedicated time exploring architecture websites like Archdaily.com. Keeping your mind active during holidays will facilitate smoother transitions into new projects.