Organizing yourself at the beginning of the year is usually pretty easy, but staying organized can be hard. A full load of class work, exams, meetings, due dates, and more can get super overwhelming. Use these tips to re-organize yourself and stay on top of your school work.
1. Keep a planner
Take note of due dates for assignments, quizzes, and exams. Doing
this helps make sure you never forget to do an assignment and reminds you to
study in advance. Personally, I carry my planner around with me all the time so I never forget what I'm supposed to be doing!
2. Plan out your week on Sunday
3. Color code class materials
You’ll never forget your notebook for class again if you have your materials for your courses color-coded. All you have to do is make sure you take all materials of the same color when you leave your dorm.
I have been using this strategy for years and it's worked without fail!4. Make to-do lists
If you’re really behind in a class, making a to-do list can help a lot. Write down all of the assignments that you need to do, notes you need to review, and exams you need to study for. It will show you exactly what you need to do in order to get caught back up.
5. Use an effective note taking system
Organizing your notes in a way that makes sense to you is important. Whether it's making bullet-point lists, drawing diagrams, or using different colors, taking good notes helps you pay attention in class and makes it easier to study.
6. Set aside study time
Setting aside specific time to focus on each class helps you
stay on track. It ensures that you have time to work on homework and study for
upcoming exams. Make a study schedule that works for you. If you know you have free time on Sunday, make that a time where you consistently study for your Monday class!
7. Go to the tutoring center
Most colleges and universities have a center where you can get help from student tutors or even faculty. They are extremely helpful if you don’t understand a concept or even if you’d just like someone to review your work.
8. Talk to your professors
Your professors usually WANT to help you. Emailing them questions or going to their office hours can be extremely beneficial – and it might even earn you some brownie points with them.
9. Try not to miss class
Don’t skip class just because you don’t feel like going. If
you do have to miss class for some reason, get notes and other materials from a
classmate ASAP. Missing class can be a huge setback - especially when the professor decides to go over something really important!
10. Make a study group
Pick a few classmates and keep in close touch with them. Meet up with them on a regular schedule to study for exams together or just make a group chat that you can use to ask each other questions.
11. Prepare the night before
Pick out your clothes and pack your backpack the night
before. It allows you to sleep in a few minutes longer and helps you remind
yourself about what you need to get done during the day. Personally, an extra 20 minutes of sleep is great - especially when I stayed up late doing homework.
