10 Tips for a Beginner BuJo Creator | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post

10 Tips for a Beginner BuJo Creator

Creative ways to get organized

10
10 Tips for a Beginner BuJo Creator
pexels.com

The organization was something I was definitely lacking last semester and I felt like it was inordinately raising my stress levels because I couldn't fit everything I wanted to get done in a day on my Google calendar or sticky notes. After spending some time on Instagram instead of doing homework (read above: I was not organized) I came across a neat little method that I felt really appealed to my creativity and need for order-- the bullet journal.

A bullet journal (or “BuJo" if you're feeling particularly pretentious today) is truly what it sounds like, just a journal with bullet point grids rather than lines but it can be adjusted to the individual's liking. People have used it as a planner, diary, sketchbook, notetaker or all of the above at once. I personally use it as a sketchbook and planner because the organization and an artistic outlet are the two main things I felt were severely lacking in my everyday life, but it can be used however you wish!

Here are some methods to help get started and some tips to keep you interested as you go along in creating your own journal.

1. The Journal

Ah yes, paperbound to a solid surface. If you want to start bullet journaling but don't feel like shelling out the cash for an expensive notebook like a Moleskine or Leuchtturm look no further than your local Target or Walmart. You can find pretty cheap notebooks and here's a thought-- they don't even have to have bullet grids. Here's an even more amazing thought: if you really don't want to buy one or you are unsure if you want to expend the energy required to keep up with the journal (it really isn't that much if you keep it lowkey and minimalistic), then you can just try it out on a sheet of computer paper you have to lie around the dorm.


2. Monthly spreads

Organize your month and become aware of deadlines so that they don't sneak up on you.


3. Weekly spreads

If monthly spreads are too broad, narrow it down with weekly ones instead. This is where the bullet journal basically serves the same use as a planner. With your week available to you at a glance, you can keep up with your assignments or upcoming tasks. At this point, if all you need is a pre-made planner then that's easy to find in a store. If you want to personalize it and make it pleasing to look at so it motivates you to face your fear of doing things (procrastination is a disease but it can be cured) then you can make it your own with the steps down below.


4. Personalize it

Add some little designs to your notes or pages. If you're artistically inclined, add some sketches and make it your own. Add stickers or washi tape, just have fun with it and make it enjoyable.


5. Gather Inspiration

If you're like me then you have a tough time figuring out how on earth to fill a blank page. Chill, don't worry about it; the BuJo should relax you, not stress you out. Go on Pinterest and look up things you would like to include or check out some studyblrs on Tumblr or Instagram.


6. Pens

I hope you like stationary as much as I do because oh boy, do I like me some overpriced pens. However, the college budget does not allow for much splurging and if I am going to spend $10-15 dollars, I should probably spend it on some good food and not on inedible ink. Feel free to use any type of pens you might have to lie around- they will all serve their intended purpose but if you want to get fancy, I suggest buying a black Unipin drawing set. The pigmentation is great and they fade less than the Sakura Micron pens.


7. Miscellaneous materials

This is where creativity comes into place. If you want a colorful journal, grab some Crayola markers or colored pencils and go do you a thing. Washi tape is also an easy but effective way of adding both color and order unto your spreads. Maybe even go crazy and treat yourself to some Mildliner highlighters that all the cool Instagram people seem to have.


8. Habit tracker

This is a great tool for those interested in tracking their water intake or a daily exercise routine. Writing it in your journal helps keep you accountable and more motivated to complete your goals.


9. Mood tracker

Stay aware of your moods and mental health with this nifty tracker. Keep in mind what causes your low days and try to avoid them by keeping a positive mentality and following whichever routine got you through your happier days.


10. Personal pages

This could include anything from a list movie or shows you want to watch to keeping track of birthdays to taking notes in class because you forgot your spiral. Your journal is meant as a place to hold whatever you may need to use it as such!


So there you have it, my lengthy and opinionated bullet journaling tips that will hopefully help you get organized and enjoy meeting your daily goals just like it helped me! And again, if the price is an issue, your bullet journal is only as expensive as you make it. Generic brand stuff works just as well if not sometimes better than artsy-fartsy equipment!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Health and Wellness

5 Ways To Bring Positivity Into Your Life When All You Want To Do Is Drown In Self-Pity

It seems like life has been serving up more bad than good and in all honesty, the only thing you want to do is crawl under your covers and hide from the rest of the world.

237
5 Ways To Bring Positivity Into Your Life When All You Want To Do Is Drown In Self-Pity
Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash

The first two weeks of classes have come to an end and they have been anything BUT easy. It seems like life has been serving up more bad than good and in all honesty, the only thing you want to do is crawl under your covers and hide from the rest of the world.

Although this seems like the best solution, it is also the easy way out. Take it from the girl who took basically a whole week off from her life because she just could not handle everything that was being thrown at her. This caused her to feel extremely lonely and even more stressed out for being behind in classes that JUST began.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends

1. Thank you for being my person.

2. Thank you for knowing me better than I know myself sometimes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Things We Learned From Brooke Davis

"What's more important? What we become or how we become it?"

133
Brooke Davis

"She was fiercely independent, Brooke Davis. Brilliant, and beautiful, and brave. In two years she had grown more than anyone I had ever known. Brooke Davis is going to change the world someday, and I'm not sure she even knows it." - Lucas Scott, An Unkindness of Ravens

Brooke Davis of the hit show One Tree Hill was the it girl - she had it all, or so we thought. She started out as a stuck-up, shallow, spoiled, head cheerleader who didn't have her life together. She slept around a lot and loved to party - sounds like your typical high school teenager right? Wrong. B. Davis had so much more to offer. Caring, loyal, and outspoken, she has taught us some valuable lessons throughout the 9 seasons that OTH was on the air:

Keep Reading...Show less
Honorary Roommate
Rachel Zadeits

For some of us, coming to college was the first time we ever had to share a room. It was a big change, but a fun one. As you meet more and more people over the course of your college career, it seems to be a pattern that you will at some point have that one friend that doesn't live with you, but acts like they do. We call those people, "Honorary Roommates" and here are 11 signs you have one in your life.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why It's Awesome When Your Best Friend Gets New Friends

She may not be with you 24/7 but it's all good because you're soul sisters.

2023
super friends
Gabi Morales

We all have a person, and when that person makes some new friends, we tend to forget all the great things that can come out of it. Never forget how special they are to you and why you are best friends.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments