Taming the Chaos: How to Stay Organized in College
It’s no secret that college life can get overwhelming in a hurry: students not only have to keep up with packed schedules, coursework, and exams but also with social activities and, often, a part-time job as well. Although the importance of staying on top of all this might seem trite, organizational skills for college students are truly a matter of sink or swim — and essential for reducing stress. Keep reading for the best way to stay organized in college.
Use a Planner
It might sound nerdy or preppy, but one of the best ways to keep chaos at bay and ensure your success is to use a planner. Whether you opt for a digital or paper version, a planner helps you keep track of important dates, deadlines, and events. Here are some tips for getting started.
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Set it up. Take time to fill out your planner with each of your class times, due dates, exam dates, study time, and any personal or work obligations you have. Use different colors, symbols, or other coding systems to highlight your most critical tasks and deadlines.
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Consult it regularly. Spend a few minutes each day consulting and updating your planner. Try planning out your week every Sunday evening to start the week off right.
Make a To-Do List
Creating daily or weekly to-do lists can help you manage your tasks effectively. (The act of writing or typing items itself can help commit them to memory.) Break down large projects into smaller milestone tasks and check them off as you complete them.
Keep Your Study Space Clean and Decluttered
You’d be surprised at how much keeping your study area neat and free of clutter can enhance your concentration and efficiency. Here are some key tips:
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Remove distractions. Keep your study area free from distractions such as your phone, TV, and any other items likely to lure you away from your work.
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Stock up on supplies. Ensure you have plenty of supplies, such as textbooks, notebooks, binders or folders, and pens, within reach of your desk.
Use Sorting and Filing Tools
Using tools such as binders, folders, and file organizers can help you keep your hard-copy materials in order. Clearly label each one and sort all physical documents into the relevant file after class each day.
On your computer and mobile devices, create labeled folders on a hard or removable drive, as well as corresponding browser folders so you can easily sort and find your digital files no matter their format. Back up all your files on cloud services or on removable drives in case your computer gets damaged or there’s a power outage.
Manage Your Time Effectively
College students often complain that they don’t have enough time to do everything, so treat your time like the precious resource it is. Create and keep a schedule that allows time not just for attending class but also for studying or working, attending office hours as needed, and other important activities. This will help you make the most of the unstructured time you have between classes and keep you from procrastinating. If your schedule is really full, assign yourself deadlines ahead of your actual deadlines to ensure you don’t fall behind.
Of course, it’s important to schedule breaks as well. When you’re studying, consider using tools like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. Happy organizing!
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