Time Management Tips for Students Juggling Studies and Work

In South African many students are not only studying, they are also doing part-time jobs to support themselves or their families. Whether it is in the weekends working at a restaurant, retail store, tutoring or delivering food, balancing academics and work can be very exhausting.

But with the right time management, you can do both and still have time for yourself 💪🏾

🎓 Why Is Good Time Management So Important

Trying to do lots of things at the same time without proper planning can lead to stress, poor marks and even burnout, that is why time management is not just helpful, but it has to be amust.

“I used to feel like 24 hours were not enough for me, but since I started planning my week in advance and prioritising my assignments, things have became more easier. I now work weekends and I still pass all my modules.” – Lebo, 2nd-year Accounting student at UJ

💡 Easy Time Management Tips for Students

1. Use a Planner or Calendar App

Write down your class timetable, work shifts, assignments and their deadlines. Also try to use apps like:

• Google Calendar (free and easy)
• MyStudyLife
• Or your simple notebook 📒

Having a visual plan can help you see where your time is going and how to manage it.

2. Start Planning For Your Week on Sundays

Before your week starts, try to take 20 minutes to plan on:

• What days you have to attend your lectures
• When are you working
• Time for assignments and studying
• Time for rest 🧘‍♀️

By doing that, you would not feel lost or overwhelmed during the course of the week.

3. Set Small Goals

Do not just write “study Accounting” in your planner. Be specific, like:

• ✅ “You must finish Chapter 3 notes”
• ✅ “Revise past paper questions”

Most of the time when we break big tasks into smaller ones it makes them less scary and much easier to complete.

4. Avoid Procrastination (Binge-watcher😅)

We all get tempted to scroll on social media instead of working, but remember:

“If you do not control your time, someone else will.”

Try using the Pomodoro Method:

• Study for 25 minutes
• Take a 5-minute break
• Repeat again for 4 times in a day, then take a 30 minute break

Apps like Focus Keeper can help you immensely to stay on track.

5. Talk to Your Boss and Lecturers about your job and your studies

Let your employer and lecturers know that you are juggling both academics and work. Most of the employers are supportive, especially if they know your schedule in advance, only you have to do is to communicate with them.

6. Use Free Campus Resources

If you are falling behind with your academic work, do not be shy to ask for help, because in all university campuses in South Africa there is always where you can get help, like:

• Academic support offices
• Student counselling
• Study groups
• Bursary advisors

“Edufunds helped me find a bursary that allowed flexible working hours. That changed everything for me.” – Sipho, Marketing student in UCT

7. Prioritise Resting and Your Mental Health

Do not work yourself to the ground, your mental health matters just as much as your grades and your salary. Try to set time aside each week to:

• Sleep properly 💤
• Catch up with friends
• Go for a walk
• Listen to music, go to YouTube or just read your journal 🎧💻📓

🚀 Bonus Tip: Learn to Say “No”

It is actually okay to say no to a shift, a party or even an extra task when you are tired. Saying “no” does not mean you are lazy, it simply means you are focused😄.

✅ Quick Summary Checklist:

• Use a calendar to plan your time
• Break big tasks into small goals
• Use the Pomodoro method to focus
• Communicate with your boss and lecturers
• Ask for help when it is needed
• Get enough rest

📚 Explore More

If you need help applying for bursaries or financial aid while you are still working? Check out:

• NSFAS
• Fundi
• Edufunds Bursary Blog

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I balance work and studies effectively?

Start by creating a weekly schedule that includes both class times and work shifts. Prioritise tasks using a to-do list, and avoid multitasking. Focus on one thing at a time to stay productive and reduce stress.

2. What are the best time management tools for students?

Use apps like Google Calendar, Trello, Notion, or Todoist to plan your days. These tools can help you stay organised, set deadlines, and break bigger tasks into smaller steps.

3. What should I do if I feel overwhelmed?

It’s okay to take a break. Speak to your manager or lecturers if things get too much — many will understand and may offer flexible options. Also, take care of your mental health by sleeping well, eating right, and practising mindfulness.

4. Is it better to work part-time or full-time as a student?

Part-time work is usually more manageable for students. It gives you time to focus on your studies while still earning some income. If you need to work full-time, consider studying part-time or taking fewer modules per semester.

5. How many hours should I study per week?

It depends on your course load, but a good rule is 2–3 hours of study per credit hour each week. Try to study in focused blocks of 25–50 minutes with short breaks in between to stay fresh and alert.

🤔 Can a Student Also Change Courses?

Can you change courses after registering at the University? Most of you will ask, because choosing the right course during matric can be stressful and sometimes, students realise later that their initial choices are not what they expected them to be. If you arere wondering whether you can change courses after registering at university or college, the good news is ✅ yes, it is possible. However, the process is not always simple. Here is what you need to know 👇

🔄 Can You Change Courses After Registration?

Most universities and colleges in South Africa allow students to change courses after registering but it depends on the institution’s rules. Here are some key factors that determine your eligibility:

• 📌 Space Availability – The course you want to change to must have space.
• 🕒 Timing – You must apply within the allowed period set by your university.
• 📚 Academic Requirements – You must meet the minimum requirements for the new course that you want to do.

🎓 Each institution is different, so always check with your university before making a decision.

📅 When Can You Change Courses?

Most South African universities and colleges allow changes during the add/drop period — usually the first few weeks of the year. Here is why timing matters:

1. ✅ Course changes are usually only allowed in the first two weeks.
2. ⚠️ After the deadline, special approval or extra fees may be required.
3. 📆 Some institutions allow mid-year changes if the new course starts in the second semester.

💡 Tip: If you are unsure of which course to choose, speak to a career advisor in your university early so that you can be advised earlier to avoid missing out!

📝 Steps to Follow When Changing Courses

1. 👥 Speak to a Career Advisor
   Talk to an advisor or lecturer about why you want to change. They will help you figure out if the new course fits your goals.
2. 📄 Check Course Requirements
   Make sure you meet the new course’s entry criteria — some need a higher APS score or specific subjects.
3. 🖊️ Apply for a Course Change
   Fill out a course change request form — this is often online or at the admin office.
4. ⏳ Wait for Approval
   Both your current and new faculty must approve the request. If the course is full, approval might not be granted.
5. 📚 Update Your Registration
   If approved, your registration will reflect the new course. Be ready to pay any fee differences.

⚠️ Things to Consider Before Changing Courses

• 🚫 Course Availability
  Popular courses fill up quickly, so space may be limited.
• 📆 Academic Impact
  You might have to start over or catch up, which can extend your studies.
• 💸 Financial Implications
  If you are funded by NSFAS or a bursary, check if your new course is still covered.
• 🎯 Future Career Goals
  Make sure your new course matches your career vision — speak to people in the industry if you are unsure.
• 💬 Social Factors
  Changing courses may mean leaving friends and classmates — be ready for that change.

🚫 What If You Can not Change Courses?

Don not panic — if course changes are not possible (which is rare), here are two alternatives:

1. 🏫 Transfer to Another Institution
   If your desired course is not available, you can apply to another university. Just remember you might need to start the process from scratch.
2. 🧩 Bridging Courses
   Many SA universities offer bridging/extended courses to help you qualify for a new field of study.

🎯 Whether you are changing due to new interests or better opportunities, remember to:

• 📋 Review your university’s policies
• 🎓 Meet the new course’s entry requirements
• 🧑‍💼 Talk to an advisor
• 🕐 Apply on time!

❓ FAQs About Changing Courses

1. Will I lose my credits if I change courses?
   🔄 It depends. If the new course is similar, some credits may carry over. If not, you might need to start fresh.
2. Can I change courses after the semester has started?
   🕒 Yes, but usually only during the first few weeks.
3. How does changing courses affect financial aid?
   💰 Always check with your funding provider — NSFAS and others have different rules.
4. What if I regret changing courses?
   😕 Some universities let you return to your old course if done quickly — but not always.

🚀 Thinking of changing your course? Act fast so you do not miss those important deadlines!