Prioritisation is concerned with getting appropriate tasks done at the best time. This means getting assignment drafts done so that there is enough time for editing and proofreading. Ideally it is useful to have a short break before revisiting an assignment so that it is looked at with fresh eyes. 

By prioritising tasks you can work on tasks that will be most useful at the time. This can be done by making a to do list with short, medium and long term tasks. You could then rank the tasks in order of importance. One way to do this is assigning each task a letter from A to Z. A being the most important. Then do the tasks in this order, based on when the deadlines are. You can also create your own deadlines for assignments which then gives you enough time to edit the assignments. Make sure to plan in extra time for unexpected issues to ensure you can still meet the deadline even if everything does not go smoothly. It is good to be aware of how you manage your time and how you prioritise tasks as it will be a useful skill to use in the workplace, whatever you do as a career.

Take a look at the quiz below to find out more about planning and prioritising your time. 

SMART goals are goals that are specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and time bound. By setting SMART goals the way you spend a study session may be more productive and focused. 

• Specific - be clear and precise about what you are going to do.
• Measurable - How are you going to know you have done the task? Can it be broken down and monitored to ensure you are working towards the overall goal? Such as reading and making notes on a particular article or referencing sources that you have read at the end of the study session to ensure it does not become an overwhelming task at the end of the assignment. 
• Agreed - Discuss your goals with family and friends. You may need to discuss your study with an employer too. 
• Realistic - Be honest about the time it may take to complete tasks, especially if you have not done them before. 
• Time bound - Give yourself a time limit to do the tasks, consider how long they have taken you before. 

The Pomodoro Technique is a useful tool to get you writing or revising.

• It encourages you to break down tasks into manageable chunks to combat feeling overwhelmed so that you get started.
• It may be useful if you feel distracted by everything else but what you have to do. 
• It may help with motivation and help you to manage your time. 

You can start using the Pomodoro Technique by setting a timer on your phone. Think about the tasks you want to do and how you can break them up. First set yourself a task for 25 minutes and allocate a 5 minute break afterwards. You can complete this cycle four times then give yourself a 30 minute break. Incorporating the breaks into your plan is very important so that tasks do not feel overwhelming and you can move on to the next task and work your way through your list. 

It is a good idea to get away from the computer when having a break, even to make a cup of tea and for longer breaks to go outside or have a meal.  

Pomofocus is a useful website that allows you to set timers for breaks and work slots. 

Check out the video below to find out how the Pomodoro Technique can be useful when revising and breaking down your assignments at university. 

Birmingham City University (2017) Revision techniques: the Pomodoro technique. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlidoiSrpB0 (Accessed: 25 June 2025).

Birmingham City University Exams and Revision (2025) The Pomodoro technique for focus. Available at: https://www.bcu.ac.uk/exams-and-revision/time-management-tips/pomodoro-technique. (Accessed: 25 June 2025).