Organization and time management can help minimize distractions during online classes in the summer term. ORACLE GRAPHIC/CAROLINA MOLERO ROCA

For some students, summer is a time to recharge and take their minds off of academics for as long as possible.

But for many USF students, this relaxation only lasts a few days before returning to school for the start of the Summer A and C terms. 

As one of those students, I have found that you can find a balance between rest and schoolwork even while taking accelerated classes.

I came to this understanding during the summer term last year when I learned that the key to solving this is time management and organization.

Initially, I struggled to find or make time for both my coursework and personal hobbies alongside my social life.

Additionally, the summer’s accelerated class pace — since sessions last four to 10 weeks instead of the traditional 16 — made me feel stressed and disorganized during the first few weeks of the semester.

But after those first few weeks, I understood I needed to improve my time management skills and find better organizational strategies to help me succeed in my classes.

Academic procrastination is defined as the tendency to delay tasks, including homework or studying, despite knowing deadlines, according to a 2023 study from the National Library of Medicine. The same study estimates that approximately 80% of college students procrastinate. 

A 2025 study from the National Library of Medicine found that time management correlates with higher engagement while studying and increased academic success. 

That means establishing a consistent daily routine alongside sharpening time management skills can help increase your productivity in online classes.

Related: OPINION: Professors and students need to work to make class more engaging 

One of the most effective strategies I’ve used to improve my time management is through screen time apps that temporarily block me from using social media on my phone.

For me, social media can be one of the most common distractions from studying, especially in online classes where I have to take responsibility for removing distractions.

Lately, I’ve been using Opal, a mobile app with customizable timed app blocks that require you to solve simple puzzles or math problems to access them, to cut back on this distraction.

But even after minimizing distractions, it’s easy to face organizational challenges in online classes because they do not have the same rigid structure as in-person classes.

Still, effective studying and time routines look different for everyone. They could include designating an hour per day — or a day of the week — for studying. 

Even having a go-to study spot, such as your favorite coffee shop or a local library, can help replicate the feeling of going to class throughout the week. 

Aside from routine, tools like calendars and planners can help you stay organized and on top of work by keeping deadlines in order.

One of my personal favorite daily planner apps is Notion, which allows you to build a custom online calendar and planner for free.

However, throughout all your productivity, it is also important to schedule time for breaks to recharge.

That means creating and incorporating a summer routine that allows space for both school and hobbies is even more important in balancing online classes. 

Online classes allow students to build their own schedules — meaning they can be used to students’ advantage to build a schedule that is both productive and enjoyable.

Time management helps you not only succeed in the classes you’re taking, but also still enjoy your summer as much as you would without classes.

Using tools such as social media blockers or planners and establishing routines for productivity and relaxation can make summer classes more manageable and less stressful.