“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”
Michael Altshuler
University life in Africa is exciting, but let’s face it—it’s also overwhelming. From lectures and assignments to exams, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities, it feels like there’s never enough time in the day. Whether you’re studying in Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, or Accra, the challenge is the same: How do you juggle everything without burning out?
The answer lies in prioritisation—understanding what tasks need your immediate attention and what can wait. With the right tools, you can focus on what matters and find a balance between your studies, personal life, and everything in between.
In this post, we’ll explore five prioritisation techniques that will help you manage your time more effectively and get more done with less stress. These methods are not just theoretical—they’re practical tools you can start using today to boost your productivity and succeed in university. Let’s dive in!
The Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent-Important Matrix)
This simple tool helps you decide which tasks should get your attention first. The matrix divides tasks into four categories:
- Urgent and Important (Do Now): These are tasks that require immediate action and contribute directly to your academic goals (e.g., studying for an exam, submitting an assignment due tomorrow).
- Not Urgent but Important (Schedule): These tasks are important but don’t need to be done immediately (e.g., preparing for a long-term project, reviewing lecture notes for the semester).
- Urgent but Not Important (Delegate): Tasks that need immediate attention but don’t significantly affect your goals (e.g., responding to non-urgent emails or phone calls).
- Not Urgent and Not Important (Eliminate): These are distractions that take up time without offering value (e.g., checking social media during study time, binge-watching TV shows).
2. The ABCDE Method
For students managing heavy workloads, the ABCDE Method is a simple way to categorise tasks by priority so that you can handle them without feeling overwhelmed.
- A: These are your highest-priority tasks, the ones that must be done today (e.g., preparing for a major exam or finishing a deadline-driven assignment).
- B: Important tasks that should be done soon (e.g., meeting with a group for a project, starting a research paper).
- C: Tasks that are nice-to-do but aren’t essential to your immediate goals (e.g., cleaning your study space, organising class notes).
- D: Tasks you can delegate (e.g., asking a classmate to help with group research or having a friend proofread your essay).
- E: Tasks that can be eliminated (e.g., spending hours on social media, attending an event that doesn’t align with your goals).
3. The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)
The Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 Rule, suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. This principle can be a real game-changer for university students trying to juggle academic and personal tasks.
Identify the 20% of tasks that will give you the most significant results. These could be high-stakes assignments, exams, or projects that will impact your grades the most. Focus on these tasks first and don’t spend too much time on low-impact activities.
For example, if you’re preparing for an exam, focus on the topics that carry the most weight in the syllabus or have been emphasised by your professors. If you’re working on a group project, focus on your section of the work that will be evaluated most heavily.
4. The Ivy Lee Method
If you’re someone who loves simple strategies that don’t require a lot of time, the Ivy Lee Method is for you. This technique helps you stay on track and avoid distractions by focusing on one task at a time.
At the end of each day, write down six tasks you need to complete the next day. Rank them by priority, and the next day, tackle the first task first. Once it’s done, move to the next one, and so on. Don’t start any new task until the previous one is finished.
The Ivy Lee Method encourages you to focus on one priority at a time, which makes it easier to stay productive without getting overwhelmed by your responsibilities.
5. Time Blocking
If you’re constantly feeling like there isn’t enough time in the day, time blocking can help you take control of your schedule. Time blocking is about scheduling specific periods for each task, ensuring you stay on track throughout the day.
Create a detailed schedule for your day, assigning time blocks for specific tasks. For example:
- 8 AM to 10 AM: Study for your upcoming exam.
- 10 AM to 12 PM: Work on your group project.
- 1 PM to 2 PM: Lunch and socialising with friends.
- 2 PM to 4 PM: Complete course readings.
Conclusion
University life in Africa comes with its own unique set of challenges, from balancing academic goals to managing personal and financial responsibilities. By mastering prioritisation techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix, ABCDE Method, Pareto Principle, Ivy Lee Method, and Time Blocking, you can take control of your time, reduce stress, and achieve more with less effort.
Remember, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about focusing on what matters most and making sure you’re moving in the direction of your goals.
So, start prioritising today, and watch your productivity soar!
Are you having challenges prioritising tasks? What prioritisation tip spoke to you the most? Have you resolved to apply these time management tips? Do you have a time management tip that works best for you?
