If you’re an honors student, you’re probably busy. The two concepts seem to go hand and hand, especially for students in Grand Canyon University’s Honors College, who tend to go above and beyond. Many hold student worker positions and participate in a wide variety of internship opportunities and extracurriculars in addition to completing honors coursework. If you feel like every day is packed to the brim with activities, here are four study tips to help you stay on top of your academics while managing a busy schedule.

Set aside certain times during the week to focus on studying and stick to that schedule. If you have an extra hour between classes each week, use that to work on assignments and review notes from previous lectures. If the rest of your day is booked with class, meetings and clubs, why let those extra minutes become dead time when you can try and get ahead in your studies? By the end of the week, those spare moments will have added up.

A calendar can also be used to mark important deadlines. Whether it’s paper or electronic, an updated planner can be one of the most important things in an honors student’s tool belt. Keeping important details all in one place also makes it quicker and easier to reference your schedule throughout the day and prioritize the tasks that are due first.

Even with the “go-go-go” mentality of a busy honors student, it is important to take breaks from your reading or writing to keep your mind fresh. Set aside a few minutes every hour to decompress, take a quick walk or do some stretches. Knowing a break is coming up makes it easier to stay focused and on-task when you should be working.

Is pulling an all-nighter really worth it? With enough planning ahead, you may find that there’s enough time in the week for work, class, studying, fun and sleep. Getting enough rest ensures that you’re refreshed for a full day of hard work – and it boosts your immune system so you don’t accidentally overwork yourself to the point of sickness.

You’re not in this alone. Getting together with a group of other students in your classes or degree program not only sets aside a block of time for studying, but provides you with some of the support that’s missing from solo studying. Fellow classmates can help answer any of your questions, review essays and worksheets and help encourage you to do your best. Our strong community of dedicated students is one of the best parts of GCU’s Honors College, so be sure to take advantage of all of the opportunities afforded to you!

To learn more about Grand Canyon University’s community of passionate and ambitious honors students, visit our website or click the Request Information button on this page.