How I Manage My Time as a Full-Time Student, Worker, and Volunteer (and How You Can Too!)

Time management isn't just about squeezing task into a calendar--it's about building a system that actually works for you. As a full-time student, part-time worker, volunteer, and family member (with a personal life I still want to keep alive), I've found ways to balance it all without burning out.

Here's what my process looks like.

Photo by Aron Visuals on Unsplash

Sunday: Rest & Reset

If everything goes according to plan, Sunday is my rest and reset day. I use this time to:

• Reflect on the previous week

• Recharge for the new week

• Get organized so I can start Monday feeling prepared

This downtime is just as important as my busy days--it's what keeps me consistent.

How I Plan My Week

1. Look at set-in-stone time blocks

I start by putting in the things I can't move--meetings, appointments, assignments with deadlines. These are my non-negotiables.

2. Schedule volunteer hours

For my online volunteer position, I coordinate with my client the week before (we're in different time zones). For my in-person volunteer role, I usually plan 2-4 hours and fit that where I can.

3. Note important dates

I check for paydays, birthdays, holidays, or anything that will affect my time, bills, or energy.

4. Add fun or personal activities

Planning isn't just about responsibilites! I make space for things like watching a movie, trying a new coffee shop, or going to an event in town.

5. Plan meals (loosely)

In my house, meals are kinda spontaneous, but if I know I want to cook something specific, I slot it into the week based on leftovers.

6. Make two to-do list

Weekly To-Do List (Brain Dump): All assignments , errands, calls, and tasks I need to finish by the end of the week.

Daily To-Do List: I pull a few realistic tasks from the weekly list that I can accomplish each day.

7. Factor in energy levels

I know how I usually feel during the week, so I plan around that:

Tuesdays: Therapy days, so I don't overload myself after sessions

Fridays: I ease into the weekend and avoid packing the day with too much work.

8. Accepting that things won't always go to plan

Life happens--taking my brother to school, last-minute meetings, or needing more rest than expected. I remind myself that flexibility is part of success.

Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

Making Time for Hobbies

Time management isn't only about school, work, and volunteering--it's also about making space for the things you actually enjoy. Hobbies are important because they give your brain and body a break, help reduce stress, and remind you that life is about more than just responsibilities.

Some of my hobbies include crocheting, writing, reading, coloring, baking, and cooking. You might be wondering: how do I fit these into such a packed schedule? Here's how:

• Cooking & Baking: this one's easy to make time for--after all, I have to eat! I just combine my hobby with a daily necessity.

• Writing: This one can be tricky since I already write a lot for work. Creative writing sometimes takes a back seat, but I've made it more of a priority late because I'm working on a project that meets every other Sunday. Having those meetings hold me accountable.

  
  

• Crocheting: Right now, I'm crocheting something for a friend with a deadline. Having someone counting on me makes me care out time for it.

  
  

• Coloring & Reading: These are harder to fit in, so they sometimes take a back seat. When I do make time, it's usually at night as a way to relax before bed--pairing coloring or reading with hot tea for calming evening.

  
  

The truth is, not every hobby will fit neatly into every season of life. Sometimes one takes priority over another, and that's okay. The important part is remembering that your hobbies matter, and making space for them (even if it's just 15 minutes before bed) can make a huge difference in your mental health and happiness.

Apps & Tools That Help Me Stay on Track

Here are some of the tools that help me manage everything on my plate:

Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash

• Google calendar & Tasks: For time-blocking and keeping deadlines visible

• Music ( Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube): To set the mood for studying, relaxing, or working.

• Flocus: A website that helps you use the Pomodoro method for productivity.

• Focus Flights: My newest favorite--it's helped me stay super productive lately.

• Forest App: Blocks your phone apps so you can focus (and rewards you with a cute digital forest).

• Notion: Great for creative organization. I use it to track academics, volunteer hours, and experiences.

• Body Doubling: Having someone there working alongside you tend to hold you more accountable for your own work. If I don't have a real person, I use YouTube study with me videos.

(Pro Tip: YAC host body doubling every Tuesday from 4-7pm on your Discord--join us if you want to try it out!)

Final Tip: What works for me might not work for you, and that's okay. The key is experimenting until you find your rhythm.

Time management isn't about being perfect--it's about creating a system that supports your life, your energy, and your goals. For me, that means using Sudays to reset, building flexible to-do lists, making time for my hobbies, and relying on tools (and people!) that help me stay accountable.

Find what works for you, and give yourself grace when things don't go perfectly to plan.