As we enter a new semester, many of us are trying to think of ways to stay afloat. Whether it’s because you made a New Year’s resolution to be more organized or you realize that you’re never going to pass if you don’t get a handle on your deadlines, you’ve definitely added some inspirational photos and quotes about it to your College Pinterest board, in hopes of magically figuring out how to live like your favorite lifestyle writers. But the trick to staying organized is often a lot harder than famous bloggers make it out to be. Here are simple, easy tips to help the average (stressed out, busy, and/or forgetful) person stay organized.
1. Keep a handwritten calendar.
Studies have shown that handwriting information helps your brain remember better. It engages your brain in a way that typing on a computer or texting on your phone doesn't. If you really want to remember deadlines, due dates, and activities, physically writing them down will ingrain them further into your mind. A calendar also means everything is in one place, so no more searching through your phone's notes, class syllabuses and websites, and random scraps of paper for things you're trying to keep track of.
2. Write to-do lists.
Have specific tasks you need to do that aren't on your calendar? Make a to-do list. That way you can visualize what exactly you have to do, and check things off so you don't forget them. If you want to be really organized, you can write your tasks down in the order you need to do them, add times by which they need to be done, and even add your due dates in for the day to be extra sure you've completed your assignments.
3. Set timers when completing tasks.
We've all done it; we sit down to do something, get a phone notification, and suddenly checking a text turns into an hour on social media with no progress on whatever you were supposed to be doing. Instead of forcing yourself to avoid all distracting things until your work is done, set a timer. If you're studying, set a timer for 30-45 minutes and do nothing but study for that amount of time. When the timer goes off, set a new one for 10-15 minutes and spend it by taking a break on your phone or getting a snack. If you want to get something done quickly, the timer can turn it into a game; beating the timer gives a sense of accomplishment if you're competitive.
4. Make a schedule for your day.
When you have class, work, clubs, study groups, and sports to worry about, plus friends who love you, it can be hard to figure out when you have time to any of it. The fix? Create a schedule. It doesn't have to be extensive or meticulous, just something to make sure you're not overbooking yourself or letting your grades slip. If you know what days and times you have annual commitments, write them down so you can visualize what times you have available outside of that. From there you can then figure out what times are open. That way you can plan a set amount of time for what really matters and still have fun.
5. Keep your space tidy.
Your backpack, dorm room, desk, and closet tend to be the most cluttered and disorganized things in a college student's life. Unfortunately, these are also the things that are most crucial to your success. By using binders and folders for holding papers, shelves and dividers for keeping books and utensils in their proper places, and the appropriate hangers and caddies for your clothing items, you can guarantee that you'll know exactly where everything you need is when you need it; no more rushing to find your Chemistry textbook or being late for class because you can't find anything clean to wear. It's also been proven that spending time in de-cluttered spaces will make you feel more relaxed, which can't hurt.
