Apr 14th, 2025
Procrastination is one of the biggest challenges a college student can face. Between coursework, exams, social commitments, and the occasional Netflix binge, it’s easy to push important tasks to the last minute. But procrastination doesn’t just lead to late-night cramming and stress—it can also impact academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being.
The good news? Procrastination is something that can be managed with the right strategies. Here are ten practical tips used by the Savannah Educational Consultants College Success Coaches to help students take control of their time, boost productivity, and stay on top of their academic workload.
Big projects can feel overwhelming, which often leads to avoidance. Instead of focusing on the entire assignment, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. For example, if you have a research paper due, start by selecting a topic, then move on to gathering sources, creating an outline, and drafting one section at a time. Completing small tasks provides a sense of progress and keeps you moving forward.
Vague plans like “I’ll study later” often lead to procrastination. Instead, create concrete goals such as “I will study biology from 2 to 3 PM” or “I will write the introduction to my essay before dinner.” Having clear, time-bound objectives makes it easier to follow through.
Staying organized is key to avoiding last-minute scrambles. Use a physical planner or digital tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or Todoist to map out deadlines and study sessions. Setting reminders for important tasks ensures you stay ahead of your workload.
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Whether it’s replying to an email, filing notes, or making a quick outline, tackling small tasks right away prevents them from piling up.
Identify your biggest distractions and create a plan to manage them. If social media or gaming eats up study time, set specific windows when you allow yourself to check your phone or play a game. Consider using productivity apps like Forest or Focus@Will to stay on track.
This time-management method involves working for 25 minutes, then taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break of 15–30 minutes. The Pomodoro Technique keeps tasks manageable, maintains focus, and prevents burnout.
Having a study buddy or accountability partner can make a huge difference. Set up regular check-ins or work sessions to keep each other on track and motivated.
At the end of each week, take a moment to assess what worked and what didn’t. Recognizing patterns of procrastination allows you to make adjustments and improve your time management strategies moving forward.
Everyone procrastinates at some point—it’s human nature. The key is to recognize it, take action, and not let guilt keep you stuck. Treat setbacks as learning experiences and focus on what you can do differently next time.
If your student struggles with procrastination, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. At Savannah Educational Consultants, we specialize in executive function coaching to help students improve time management, organization, and study habits. Our private coaching system provides one-on-one support to help students build lifelong skills for success.
Schedule a free consultation today at SEC. Call 912-238-9552 and learn more about how Professional Coaching can help your student thrive!
