A College Student's Guide To Getting Your Sh*t Together | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A College Student's Guide To Getting Your Sh*t Together

Climbing your way to a 4.0

11
A College Student's Guide To Getting Your Sh*t Together
Google Images

The transition from high school to college can be difficult for everyone; from making new friends, to trying to find your "place," and staying on top of school work. So here are some helpful hints to help every college student reach their academic goals.

1. Buy a Planner

Let me repeat this: BUY A PLANNER! Personally, I use a planner with the monthly layout options along with daily sections. I use the monthly section for big events and deadlines while the daily section I use for smaller deadlines and just pre-planning my day. It's helpful so you don't overbook yourself. No one wants to text your friends saying you can't come to lunch because you forget you had an advisor appointment, the FOMO will be real. Most colleges even provide free planners to students if you show your university issued ID, who doesn't love free stuff? Another helpful hint: Color coordinate all your activities such as classes, meetings, extracurriculars, volunteer hours, etc. If keeping a physical planner isn't your thing, try using Google Calendar to keep yourself organized. It's easily accessible on your phone and laptop.

2. Use Sticky Notes

Sticky notes are lifesavers. If you have a major assignment due soon, write it on a sticky note and put the sticky note somewhere you know you'll see it multiple times, like on a bathroom mirror, bedroom door, or fridge. It almost guilts you into getting your assignment done because you'll hate seeing it. You can also use sticky notes in books you've rented to summarize important information, such as key concepts and formulas, from that text.

3. Keep Your Bag Organized

First and foremost, pack it the night before. Every college student, relies on that extra 5 minutes of sleep, so spare yourself the night before. Thank yourself later by putting your papers in the correct folder or binder instead of shoving them inside your bag to rush out of class. Some of my backpack essentials are: My phone & laptop charger, class necessities (folders, pens/pencils, syllabuses, etc.), wallet (always in need of your student ID), keys, Ibuprofen, a reusable water bottle, and some small snacks.

4. Minimalistic Desktop

While studying in your room isn't always ideal with loud roommates and plenty of distractions, keeping your desktop minimalistic will make it much easier on those days you can't make it to the library. Also, having a dry erase calendar looming over your desktop will reminder you of those impending deadlines looming over your head.

5. Laptop Organization Is Key

Organize all your classes on your laptop, trust me you'll thank me later. Make a "college" folder in your documents, and create subfolders for each of your classes. This way you can organize all your syllabuses, powerpoints, assignments, and notes in one place.

Lastly, you're welcome. Now, by following all of these tips, you'll be well on your way to that 4.0 GPA.

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

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

1434
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less
Jenna Pizzi and her mom smiling by a waterfront with a historic ship in the background.
Jenna Pizzi

There is always a time in the semester when you have about three papers, four tests, five assignments and two projects due within the same time period. Isn't that just the best?

It's almost as if the professors all plot against you just to make college even more stressful than it already is. No matter how many people try to make you feel better, no one ever compares to your mom. Moms always know exactly what to say.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Jobs Your Roommate Has

She's got your back with everything that college throws at you.

1614
Cristina Yang and Meredith Grey in scrubs sit against a wall, smiling and enjoying a break.

If you are anything like my roommate and I, you have a friendship with your roomie. You’re lucky to have gotten a roommate that is easy to get along with and more importantly cool to live with. Whether you found her on Facebook or went random, a roommate is a big part of life in college. This list goes through some of the jobs that a roommate has that help you get through college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Woman in field with a red heart-shaped balloon under a colorful sky.

Being single can be great and awful at the same time. Yeah, it's awesome to have time to yourself to figure out who you are and make your own decisions. It would also be nice to have someone to go through life with, but it needs to be the right person. I haven't found that person yet and here's a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times "Parks and Recreation" Summed Up Your Library Experience

"I've only slept nine hours over the past four days, so I'm right on the verge of a nervous breakdown." - Leslie Knope

6241
Parks and Recreation excitedly gathered around a laptop at a table in an office setting.

The library. Club lib. The place every college student goes when they want to try and be a productive member of society. Who better to explain your experience than Parks and Rec?

1. When you've finally found the energy to leave your dorm room and walk into the lib like

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments