A Student's Guide to Hiring a Life Coach for Time Management

A Student’s Guide to Hiring a Life Coach for Time Management

I just don’t have enough hours in the day,” one of my clients, Chloe (a second-year undergraduate student in Birmingham), told me. She was bright and committed, yet drowning in deadlines, caught in a loop of procrastination, guilt, and exhaustion. When we sat down together, she shared more: “I start at 9 pm, then look up at 1 am and realise I’ve done nothing significant.”

As a certified Academic/Life Coach, I’ve worked with dozens of UK-based students who felt exactly like Chloe. What I learned is this: Time struggles are rarely about laziness. They’re about mismatched systems (using methods that don’t fit your brain), missing tools, and a brain that hasn’t been shown how to operate itself.

In recent UK studies, 66% of students reported “not enough time to balance other commitments” as their top stress cause. Also, research shows that as many as 70% of post-16 students say they procrastinate on academic tasks at least half the time. 

As a student, you may feel behind, overwhelmed, or unmotivated. Know this: you’re not broken. You’re just missing the right support. Hiring a life coach for time management could be your turning point.

Connect with me today and let’s start shaping a balanced, productive schedule that supports your academic goals.

Why Students Struggle with Time Management?

First, let’s explore the common obstacles. Many students don’t realize just how much the academic world demands of their time management skills. You’re expected to juggle lectures, assignments, social life, maybe part-time work, and basic self-care like sleep. That’s a big ask.

Here are some core issues I encounter:

  • Disorganisation: No system, no routine, and tasks vanish under more urgent-seeming items.
  • Digital distractions like social media, streaming, and messaging make time vanish. Constantly switching contexts adds to the problem.
  • The mindset of “I’ll do it later” leads to student procrastination solutions being applied too late; by then, the momentum is gone.
  • Traditional study methods expect students to manage themselves well. But in reality, many students struggle with organization and planning.

A 2024 survey by Student Minds UK revealed that 71% of students feel anxious about their class and workload. This stress affects their academic performance. Often, the student has the willpower but not the structure. And that’s exactly where coaching steps in.

What Does a Life Coach Do for Students?

When you hire a life coach for students, you’re hiring someone who helps you build the structure, routines, and mindset that support your best work. As a life coach, my job is less about reminding you to revise and more about helping you redesign your workflow so that revision becomes natural, not a battle.

Here’s how we begin:

  1. Self-awareness:  I review your current habits, identify energy peaks and dips, and recognize where your focus cracks.
  2. Personalised academic guidance: I create a custom system just for you. I can base it on your data, so it fits your pace, not a generic template. You might try time-blocking, a digital planner, or micro-tasking. For example, we can use the Pomodoro method: work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Or follow the two-minute rule: if a task takes less than two minutes, do it right away. Or we can work out what works best for you.
  3. Accountability and motivation: You’re not alone. Regular check-ins keep you on track. I celebrate progress and troubleshoot when things slide.
  4. Focus and Efficiency Tools: I help with goal setting, task prioritisation, and boosting your productivity. I also work on improving your focus and building lasting habits.

Oxford Brookes University studied students who worked with life coaches. The results were powerful. Students saw a 64% boost in self-confidence. Their goal-setting skills increased by 22%. And their satisfaction with their studies? That jumped by 29%. That’s the kind of transformation I create with every student I work with. 

In short, I help you go from “I’m behind again” to “I’ve got a plan, I’m executing, and I’m making real progress.”

Key Benefits of Hiring a Life Coach as a Student

Improved Version:

Key Benefits of Hiring a Life Coach as a Student

Investing in a life coach for time management does more than help you complete tasks. Here are the powerful outcomes backed by research:

Benefit

What It Feels Like

Research Shows

Improved Grades

Meeting deadlines without panic and understanding material better

Students gain improved results

Better Focus

Clearer, sharper study sessions instead of hours of distracted clicking

Students report significantly improved concentration and task completion ​

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Less anxiety about “falling behind” and more calm confidence

Time management programs reduce burnout and anxiety symptoms ​

Boosted Confidence

Recognising you have tools and know how to use them

64% increase in self-confidence reported ​

Stronger Goal-Setting

Clear plans that you actually follow through on

22% improvement in goal-setting ability ​

Better Retention

Staying on track and completing your degree

Students are 18% more likely to remain enrolled the following year ​

These aren’t just side effects. They become your new baseline. The students I coach boost their grades, build essential skills, and handle transitions with confidence.

Research shows 68% of students experience elevated stress from academic pressure and time management challenges. However, structured coaching programs help students develop effective time management, reduce procrastination, and improve emotional regulation. The result? Better performance and lasting wellbeing.

When Should a Student Hire a Life Coach?

Here’s a truth I often share with parents and students: the right time to seek help is before burnout sets in. If you’re wondering when the right time is, here are clear signs:

  • You frequently miss deadlines or delay homework completion despite having good intentions.
  • You feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in loops of effort with little outcome.
  • Your student organisation and planning feel chaotic or non-existent.
  • You know you’re capable, but can’t harness your potential because you lack structure.

If any of those resonate, then working with a coach is not a luxury; it’s a smart move. Better to partner with support before burnout rather than react after it.

Which Works Best for Students Online or In-Person Coaching?

Deciding between online and face-to-face sessions often depends on your preferences, your lifestyle, and your motivation. Both have strong value.

Online coaching:

  • Highly flexible, ideal for all students juggling campus, travel, and varying schedules.
  • Often more cost-effective.

In-person coaching:

  • Provides a deeper personal connection, stronger energy shifts, and less digital distraction.
  • Great for students who need a physical presence and accountability.

University research shows interesting patterns in student preferences. Over 30% would only choose online coaching sessions. They ruled out face-to-face options completely. However, most students remained flexible. They were happy with either format.

Ultimately, what matters most is consistency, not modality. Choose the format where you’ll most reliably show up and do the work.

How to Find the Right Life Coach for Your Academic Goals?

Finding the right coach means looking beyond rates and scrolling deeper into fit and methodology. Here’s your checklist:

  • Look for a coach experienced in coaching for academic success, not just in life in general.
  • Ask about their tools. Do they use customised coaching sessions, track metrics, and set milestones?
  • Ensure they understand student rhythms, term time, exam phases, and changes in routine.
  • Ask for a trial or consultation to test compatibility. Coaching is collaborative, so personalities matter.
  • Read testimonials or case studies showcasing actual students’ time management improvements.

This is an investment in your future. Ensure your coach believes in you. They should understand your world and offer solutions that you can use.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Hire a Life Coach

You might assume coaching is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are ways to make it manageable:

  • Group sessions: Share costs and gain valuable support, student motivation, and accountability.
  • Online packages: Digital coaching can reduce overhead and costs.
  • Student discounts: I offer special rates for full-time students.
  • Short-term programs: A 6-week crash course can boost your study routine. You can see great results with a small investment.

At Ataraxia Coaching, we also tailor plans around financial comfort because every student deserves access to personalised academic guidance that supports success.

Real UK Student Testimonials on How  Me As a Life Coach Improved Academic Success

  • Funmi was recommended to me by a friend and the best decision I ever made was to call her. I was in a very difficult place in my life both emotionally and career wise. Funmi’s coaching sessions were eye opening and gave me the confidence and emotional support to pursue my passion while exploring other opportunities as well . We worked together on the key steps to achieve my goals and I have new clients for my small business as a direct result of working with her. She really was what she called “An Accountability Partner”. I highly recommend Funmi if you are passionate about achieving your goals and working with someone that will make you smile while doing it.”

                   Honeywealth Alabs

  • “My sister has known Funmi for years and recommended her to me as my coach, . It’s one of the best suggestions she has ever given me. Funmi coaches me on Life, My Career and ADHD Parenting as I have neurodiverse children. I look forward to the weekly sessions with Funmi as she gives me the space to talk and think through what I want and what is best for me while working on my goals. If you need someone that “Gets It”, displays compassion and understanding while steering you towards your desired goals, choose Funmi.”

Maggie, ADHD Parent, University Administrator, UK

Read what my clients say about working with me: Ataraxia Coaching – Funmi Oni Reviews

Final Thoughts on Investing in Coaching for Long-Term Success

I want you to hear this clearly: hiring a life coach for time management isn’t just about surviving your next term. It’s about building lifelong competence in planning, prioritising, and performing with control. You’ll reduce student stress and gain skills that help you beyond school.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here. Let’s talk about how we can turn your “I’ll try harder” into “I have a plan, I’m making progress, and I feel confident.”

Book your free consultation today, and let’s map out your customised coaching plan for academic success and beyond.

You deserve more than just keeping up. You deserve to thrive.

FAQs

What are the 3 C’s of coaching?

One commonly cited framework identifies Clarity, Courage, and Commitment as the three C’s.

Different models exist, but one version includes:

  • Purpose
  • Product
  • Participants
  • Probable Issues
  • Process