College isn’t easy, that’s for sure. College is fun, but it can sometimes get stressful. And stress is not limited to just that week at the end of every semester called finals. Sometimes your classes will decide to have every major assignment due all in the same week. Sometimes you’ll have a test in every single one of your classes on the same day. Sometimes you’ll get homesick. Sometimes you’ll just get sick, and have to tough it out by yourself.

Here are some simple tips to keep the stress of college from getting to you:

1. Write things down.

If you have a planner, don’t just carry it around for fun—use it. Write down all assignments, tests, and finals the day you find out about them. That way, no forgotten assignment can sneak up on you.

If you don’t use a planner, you can make a to-do list of every project, test, assignment, appointment, etc. that has to be done. Once you have it all written down, it is a lot easier to sort through what needs to be done right away and what you can put off until later. And, as you complete items off the list, crossing the items off will help reduce stress and create a sense of productivity, which will keep you going until every single thing is crossed out.

2. Pray

Whatever your beliefs are, sometimes it helps to turn your problems to a higher power. Praying every day can help you feel like you're not alone. I find a great deal of comfort in knowing that God can help me through anything I aspire to do. So when life starts to get too stressful for me, I make sure to pray for guidance and peace to make it through.

3. Exercise

If you can find time in your busy schedule for working out, do it! There are many different ways to find fitness opportunities on campus. A lot of schools offer various physical health classes for credit hours. I took a yoga class my sophomore year, and it was actually really fun. It doesn’t have to be an hour-long intense work out, either. Go for a walk around campus, do a video workout routine in your dorm, or go for a swim in the campus pool. Exercise has proven to be a stress-reliever, so any opportunity you have for fitness is a good idea to maintaining a stress-free life.

4. Clean

A huge way to battle stress is to keep a tidy room. Take the time to make your bed. You would not believe the difference making your bed can have on your day. Making your bed makes a messy room look more put together, and it leads to a higher level of productivity throughout the day. Also, take 10-15 minutes each day to freshen up the space. Pick up any clothes that might be scattered around, and clear off any clutter that could be on your desk. Having a neat space will make it easier for you to get your work done.

It’s true: college can get very stressful. But if you learn how to beat stress before it gets to you, you can have a very stress-reduced college experience.