List every task

Write the assignment, deadline, estimated effort and any dependencies. Include small tasks such as research, printing or group coordination.

Look at urgency and importance

A task due tomorrow deserves immediate attention, but a large project due next week may also need to start today.

Estimate effort

A two-hour assignment and a twenty-hour project should not be treated the same way simply because their deadlines are similar.

Start large tasks early

Break major assignments into research, outline, first draft, revision and final checks. Starting creates room for unexpected problems.

Check dependencies

Some tasks cannot begin until you receive information, meet a group or complete another academic requirement. Identify these early.

Use a daily top three

Choose three meaningful academic tasks for the day. This keeps your plan manageable.

Avoid perfectionism

The first draft does not need to be perfect. Progress creates something you can improve.

Recheck priorities each evening

Deadlines and lecturer instructions can change. Spend a few minutes updating your list.

Final thoughts

Prioritisation is about making deliberate choices. Consider deadline, importance, effort and dependencies, then break large assignments into smaller actions.