Staying organized can be hard, especially during the middle of the semester. While the middle of the semester kind of feels like walking barefoot on hot coals, there are small things you can do to make it a little more bearable. Getting organized (and staying organized) is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself sane.

1. Have more than one calendar

Calendars are probably the holy grail of staying organized, but sometimes having just one is not enough. If you can, online calendars that you can sync together are more than enough to keep you on track. If you’re like me and aren’t a huge fan of online calendars, get one big calendar to jot down appointments and events far in advance. Then, keep a smaller with you so you’ll never be caught off guard when things unexpectedly pop up.

2. Color code everything

Color coding immediately makes your life much easier. Between work and school, life is already cluttered. Color coding will help you keep assignments and deadlines straightened out and give your stationary some personality. Whether you have to deal with clients, classes or just your social life, your brain will thank you.

3. Make lists

If you know you have a lot to do in a short period of time, to do lists are your best friend. Crossing things off that list is so satisfying that it will make you want to work more. If life is super crazy and you have no idea what you have to do, stop and make a list. Writing everything down will help you better organize your time and make you a little less stressed out.

4. Pay extra attention to deadlines and due dates

If you put more effort into remembering these dates, it will definitely make your life much easier. Make soft deadlines for yourself, that way you won’t procrastinate at the very last minute. If you know the deadline, you’ll know what you have to do in order to meet it.

5. Sacrifice the unimportant things

As a reminder, sleep is super important. In fact, sleep is probably one of the most important things. While it might not be the most pleasant thing to do, canceling plans or leaving a party early so you can meet your deadlines makes a huge difference in the long run. Staying organized is knowing how much free time you have before you have to get back to work.