Survive and Thrive: Tips for Staying Organized in College

Keep a planner. Whether it’s an actual planner or planner app, find what works for you and stick to it! As soon as you get a new assignment or make plans, write it down before you forget.

Annotate your syllabi. Note anything your professor says that could come in handy when it comes time for your next paper or exam. You’ll thank yourself later when you have those hints or extra instructions.

Keep to-do lists. If you write down what you want to accomplish each day you’re much more likely to stick to it. Setting deadlines for yourself is key in keeping yourself on track.

Schedule chores. Laundry, taking out the trash, tidying up your desk, you name it.Pick a day of the week that works with your schedule and make it part of your routine.

Wake up at the same time everyday. With your class schedule you may not have to wake up early everyday, but doing so will help you get into a set routine and avoid feeling like you’ve wasted the morning.

Find your most productive time. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, find when you work best and set aside some of that time each day for productivity and work.

Stock your backpack and pick out your outfit before bed. Save yourself some time in the morning by packing up the books you need and picking out your clothes the night before. 

Find a note-taking system that works. Whatever works for you, make sure you stick to your system. Having everything in the same format in the same place will make notes easier to review later.

Take time to for yourself. Mental health is not just important for staying organized, but for being a balanced and happy person. Make time for whatever helps you destress. And get enough sleep!

Never be too hard on yourself. Remember that everyone makes mistakes. It’s not easy to stay on top of everything going on in your life all the time. Always try your best and celebrate every victory, big or small! Staying organized gets easier with practice.

 

  • Undergraduate
  • Undergraduate student

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