did any of your resolutions include get organized? Maybe do better in school. How about have better time management? It is never too early to start getting your organization system, well, organized. Hopefully today's post will help you get back on tract and in order for 2013.
1. Mark your Calendar
Calendars and planners can work wonders in college! Life becomes so much easier when you can tangibly see what you have to do each day at exactly what time. This is also something you can either carry with you or keep in your dorm; and in this day and age even on your phone or laptop.
2. Have a "Take-Home Folder"
I know this sounds childish but sometimes the simple things make life that much easier. Buy a folder or binder you can put all your assignments, reminders, flyers, and schedules for your next class in. When you get home at the end of the day you only need to pull out this folder and know exactly what you need to accomplish for your next class. This also keeps all your current assignments in one place so you are less likely to lose them in your pile of older assignments.
3. Have a Memo Board
A memo board is an essential to any college student's life! A memo board will remind you of assignments, meetings, parties, numbers, names, and that your roommates needs you to take out the trash. You can buy these fairly cheap at big box stores. You can also make your own such as the personalized picture frame one I have posted on in the past. Finally if you are lacking room or the cash for a physical board you can always use a dry-erase marker on your window, bathroom mirror, or refrigerator (preferably use whatever you look at the most; mine would be the fridge).
4. Organize your binders
Separator tabs, pockets, and labels are the hidden wonders that will make your class life a million times less stressful. Picture it: a world where you know exactly where last week’s notes are in your binder. Beautiful isn't it? You too can have this perfection by simply putting together your binders for each class ahead of time. The hardest part of this organization tip is actually sticking with it. If you can maintain the willpower I promise you will be much more organized.
5. Set Timers or Alarms
If you are bad about dosing off on the couch or getting too into your video game then make sure you set yourself plenty of alarms so that you can get to your meeting places on time.
6. Have a spot for all your books
Designate a set spot to store all your books and binders when they are not in your backpack. This will make it easier for you to keep track of all your class materials as well as be able to bring the correct items to each class (no more pretending your music book is your ethics book, since you couldn’t find the ethics book in the first place...)
7. Book Hunt before Classes start
Many colleges either have a book store data base or pre-designated books for each class. Try your best to find a list of the books you will need for the upcoming semester BEFORE the semester starts. Once you have this list begin to prowl for these books online to get an estimate or even find the best deal. Bookmark these links so that once the semester begins you can go back to check-out. (P.S. - Do not buy your books ahead of time unless your professor states otherwise; many times teachers will want another addition than is given on the class description and sometimes you're lucky enough to get a teacher who doesn't use a text book at all--CHA CHING!)
8. Purge your computer
I don't know about you but my computer is slam full of papers, PowerPoint presentations, and bookmarks to citations for a paper long finished and forgotten. Be sure to purge your computer of any unnecessary items such as saved stock photos, bookmarks, or insignificant assignments you don't need in the future. Do save some items though, as they can be good reference tools later on! I suggest buying a USB drive to keep all your assignments from the past; this will preserve them but remove them from your computer's precious memory.
9. Print your schedule & keep it
It is difficult in college to immediately adjust to a new schedule. I find it easiest to simply print or write a small schedule to keep with me that has times, days, room numbers, and the teacher's name. This helps me remind myself quickly and easily where I am going and when.
10. Inform others of your schedule ahead of time
If you have a job, are in a club, part of a team, or have a busy family be sure to let these people know your new schedule before you start the semester. By informing others of your schedule before the new semester starts you can be sure they know your availability.
11. Restock on Supplies
Once school gets back in there will be a Wal-Mart rush for pens, paper, binders, and all the essential school supplies. Save yourself the trip and stress by stocking up now. Another added bonus of this trick is that you may snag some on-sale Christmas themed pencils and pens!
12. Clean your workspace
If you are like most college students you spend many hours at your desk. A great way to get ready for the new semester is to clean up your work area. Dust, wipe, and spray away all the grime and bad memories of past assignments as you make room for the new semester. Also be sure to organize and clean out your desk drawers so that there is more space and less clutter to stress you out.
13. Create a schedule for yourself
Begin to plan how you will change or improve your personal schedule. Write out a general plan such as
8-3 Class
4-5 Dinner
6-8 Homework
9-10 Work out/Bed
This skeleton frame schedule will help you stay on track with studies and life. You will have a general time frame to go by allowing you to plan other activities and be sure you stay on top of your studies.
Like I said earlier; it is never too early to start organizing for a new semester. So start now and start strong on those resolutions; you won't regret accomplishing them!
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