School is starting soon which means more work, responsibility and a heavy schedule. August can mark the beginning of a new year which means it is a great time to make resolutions and get started on the right foot. Staying organized is a constant struggle, but there are ways to set yourself up for success in the fall. So, here are 5 tips for getting organized before you even move in.
1. Invest in a planner
College is full of due dates, appointments and events. All of this can be almost impossible to keep track of without a planner. You can get all fancy with color-coated notes, or just write down the basics. Either way, using a planner will ensure that you don't get behind on your work.
2. Set a daily routine
Time management is an invaluable skill in college. It is a good idea to get into a good routine as soon as you can so that you don't feel lost and overwhelmed when the work starts to pile up. Figure out what time you need to wake up, what time you want to go to the gym, or when you will have time to study.
3. Make your appointments ASAP
College is of course about academics, but there are a lot of administrative tasks that need to be done. Maybe you need to speak with your advisor, or a career services counsellor. It is important to touch base with these individuals at the beginning of the year to ask any questions you might have and make sure that you are meeting all of your academic and career goals.
4. Get involved right away
Getting involved with clubs or other student activities is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the college experience. Whatever your interests are, pursue them as early as possible. Once classes are in full-swing and you are focused on studying, it might be hard to try new extracurriculars. So, choose your interests early and integrate them into your schedule from the start.
5. But, don't spread yourself too thin
It might seem tempting to pack your schedule at the beginning of the year. Everything seems new and exciting, and you might want to get involved in everything. However, you don't want to burn out from exhaustion, so be selective with the extracurriculars you commit to.
