As it is now August, school is right around the corner, and college classes will be here before we know it! After a long, relaxing, or busy summer comes to a close, it is time to gear up and get ready to head back to school. Here are some tips to make sure you are ready to go!

1. Have a planner/agenda.

Get a cute agenda book and some color pens. This works best for me to get organized and if things are color coded, it makes it much easier to organize things in my brain. Write down the important things - like exams/quizzes/major projects in red or orange. These colors stick out best so you can see what the most important things in your day are. Do your best to always have your planner with you, so you can write things down as the day progresses.

2. Plan out each week.

At the beginning of each week, write down a list day by day to get your tasks better organized. Looking at a smaller task list makes it less overwhelming and easier to accomplish.

3. Save all your syllabi.

The second you get these from your professors, write down all the important dates in your agenda in the color you choose to do for exams/quizzes/major projects. Plan out the things you need to do to for each class and write them all down in your agenda book.

4. Have a class schedule.

Although classes have sometimes odd times and days when they meet, do your best to keep the schedule the same, making it easier to stick to it and it becomes more of a routine.

5. Pack your backpack.

I would do my best to pack my things I need the night before each day so then in the morning I am not rushing around trying to find what I need for the day and for each class.

6. Plan your outfits ahead of time.

To cut down on wasted time in the morning, it helps if you plan out your outfits the night before also!

7. Keep your work area clean.

This will also help keep you mind decluttered and help you focus. If you have a mess, clean up what you can and this can help you focus before you study or do homework.

8. Have a system for note-taking.

It doesn't have to be perfect, but just do what works best for you when taking notes. This will help you better learn the material. After class, you can rewrite them in colors, not only will this better organize your notes, but also you can study them by rewriting them.

9. Keep separate notebooks/folders for each class.

I use the five subject notebooks, and these work great. I can fit three or so classes into one notebook, with an extra two subjects for classes that require more notebook paper. This way there is less books to carry around. Also, label which folders and note pages are for each course. This will help you keep each thing for each class in the same area, easier for studying later!

10. Get enough sleep.

Yes, college requires a lot of work and studying, it is still very important to get good sleep. Even if you are cramming for a test that you have the next day, it is still important to get some sleep. Don't stay up all night, this will only lead to you being more tired and unable to concentrate during your test or class period.

11. Keep inspiring quotes.

Keep good thoughts and quotes in sight to keep you motivated to do your best! Write them down on a page in your agenda which you look at often, or on a white board hanging above your desk!