I have no time:
This is a phrase that we hear too often when it is too late. This could be a direct consequence
of various factors the most important of which is the failure to properly plan ahead. Time
management is one of the biggest challenges that confront overseas students. This usually
happens because such students have been completely dependent on their parents to this
point of time, i.e. the time when they travel overseas and find themselves in a state of respon-
sibility for their time and mundane matters. This is a transitional phase in a student’s life and
having sufficient time management skills would certainly contribute to and facilitate the
success of the student. You need to manage your time wisely and balance between your
study demands and your physical and mental needs in order to lead a healthy and productive
life. Remember that “All work no play makes Jack a dull boy”. Make sure to always plan ahead
and bear in mind that failing to plan is actually planning to fail. Try to be active and refrain
from laziness and procrastination regardless of how minor or major your task is and never
postpone a task due today to another day as every day usually comes with its own burdens
and responsibilities. Also seek guidance from the Prophet’s instructions when he said: “A
person will not move foot on the Day of Judgment until they have been asked about four
things: their time and how it was used, their youth and how it was lived, their wealth and
how it was spent and their knowledge and how it was used”. Therefore, try to make full use
of theopportunity of being in this country to advance your knowledge and skills and develop
physically and mentally.
Save your white coin for a black day
Money management constitutes the most common challenge for new students since it is
probably the first time the astudent has to manage their own spending and living expenses.
Therefore, you have to plan your spending wisely and prioritize your shopping lists (i.e. do
not buy everything you like but give priority to things that you need the most). You can easily
do this by specifying the right amount of your monthly allowance that would cover your
essential monthly expenses such as your rent, bills and of course food. It is also a good idea
if you can save some of your money for any future emergency or contingency situation. Most
importantly, do not forget to reserve some amount of your monthly allowance for your enter-
tainment and personal pleasure. Just bear in mind that you are in control now and you can
only praise or blame yourself for how you have spent your money. Be very cautious of the
false temptations and spend your money wisely and know that good management and
spending of money can indeed make your stay and adaptation in this country a very benefi-
cial, magnificent and long-lasting experience.
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