AI Student Guides

Using AI for Time Management

By Student Author
Headshot of Sebastian Thomas
Sebastian Thomas

MS in Artificial Intelligence

Khoury College of Computer Sciences

Class of 2026

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Introduction

As a student juggling classes, assignments, part-time work, and social commitments, I often feel like there’s not enough time in the day. What helped me most was learning how to manage my time effectively. Generative AI tools have become a key part of that. Tools like Claude help me organize my week and break down big projects into manageable tasks.

AI doesn’t just remind me of deadlines but helps me think through how I spend time and plan proactively.

Specific Examples

  • Breaking Down Assignments: If I have a big paper due in two weeks, I ask AI to help me split it into smaller milestones (topic selection, reading, outlining, drafting, revising) and set daily or weekly goals.
  • Energy-based Scheduling: I tell the AI that I focus best in the morning and feel tired after 4 PM. It helps me prioritize difficult tasks earlier in the day and suggests lighter tasks or breaks for the afternoon.

Tools and Resources

  • Claude: Particularly effective with its artifact feature for creating visual schedules such as Gantt charts. The conversational memory helps track your progress across planning sessions.
  • ChatGPT (GPT-4): Great for structured scheduling and building planners. Its ability to remember context in a single session is useful for weekly planning sessions.

Prompt

“I’m a <level_of_study> student with a busy schedule. I have classes on <list days/times>, and these assignments due: <list assignments with deadlines>. I also work <hours per week> and want to make time for <personal priorities like exercise, friends, hobbies>. I usually focus best in the <morning/afternoon/evening> and struggle with concentration after <time>. Can you help me create a realistic weekly schedule that balances all this, includes buffer time, and matches my energy patterns? Also, please ask me any questions to gather any other information you might need to create a good time management schedule. ”

Follow-up Prompts

  • “This assignment is worth 30% of my grade and due in 10 days. Can you break it down into daily 1-2 hour work sessions with specific goals for each?”
  • “I keep procrastinating on [specific task]. Can you suggest a strategy to tackle it?”

Thoughts and Concerns to Keep in Mind

  • Balance is the goal. AI is a powerful productivity assistant, but it shouldn’t push you into burnout.  
  • AI can’t know your real limits. Only you know when you’re genuinely too tired to continue or when pushing through would be counterproductive.  

Tips and Tricks

  • Try “Reverse Planning”: “My exam is on [date]. Working backwards, create a study schedule that ensures I’m fully prepared with 2 days buffer for review.” 
  • Add “Explain your reasoning” to understand how AI organizes time — this helps you internalize good planning principles. 

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