The organization was something I was definitely lacking last semester and I felt like it was inordinately raising my stress levels because I couldn't fit everything I wanted to get done in a day on my Google calendar or sticky notes. After spending some time on Instagram instead of doing homework (read above: I was not organized) I came across a neat little method that I felt really appealed to my creativity and need for order-- the bullet journal.

A bullet journal (or “BuJo" if you're feeling particularly pretentious today) is truly what it sounds like, just a journal with bullet point grids rather than lines but it can be adjusted to the individual's liking. People have used it as a planner, diary, sketchbook, notetaker or all of the above at once. I personally use it as a sketchbook and planner because the organization and an artistic outlet are the two main things I felt were severely lacking in my everyday life, but it can be used however you wish!

Here are some methods to help get started and some tips to keep you interested as you go along in creating your own journal.

1. The Journal

Ah yes, paperbound to a solid surface. If you want to start bullet journaling but don't feel like shelling out the cash for an expensive notebook like a Moleskine or Leuchtturm look no further than your local Target or Walmart. You can find pretty cheap notebooks and here's a thought-- they don't even have to have bullet grids. Here's an even more amazing thought: if you really don't want to buy one or you are unsure if you want to expend the energy required to keep up with the journal (it really isn't that much if you keep it lowkey and minimalistic), then you can just try it out on a sheet of computer paper you have to lie around the dorm.

2. Monthly spreads

Organize your month and become aware of deadlines so that they don't sneak up on you.

3. Weekly spreads

If monthly spreads are too broad, narrow it down with weekly ones instead. This is where the bullet journal basically serves the same use as a planner. With your week available to you at a glance, you can keep up with your assignments or upcoming tasks. At this point, if all you need is a pre-made planner then that's easy to find in a store. If you want to personalize it and make it pleasing to look at so it motivates you to face your fear of doing things (procrastination is a disease but it can be cured) then you can make it your own with the steps down below.

4. Personalize it

Add some little designs to your notes or pages. If you're artistically inclined, add some sketches and make it your own. Add stickers or washi tape, just have fun with it and make it enjoyable.

5. Gather Inspiration

If you're like me then you have a tough time figuring out how on earth to fill a blank page. Chill, don't worry about it; the BuJo should relax you, not stress you out. Go on Pinterest and look up things you would like to include or check out some studyblrs on Tumblr or Instagram.

6. Pens

I hope you like stationary as much as I do because oh boy, do I like me some overpriced pens. However, the college budget does not allow for much splurging and if I am going to spend $10-15 dollars, I should probably spend it on some good food and not on inedible ink. Feel free to use any type of pens you might have to lie around- they will all serve their intended purpose but if you want to get fancy, I suggest buying a black Unipin drawing set. The pigmentation is great and they fade less than the Sakura Micron pens.

7. Miscellaneous materials

This is where creativity comes into place. If you want a colorful journal, grab some Crayola markers or colored pencils and go do you a thing. Washi tape is also an easy but effective way of adding both color and order unto your spreads. Maybe even go crazy and treat yourself to some Mildliner highlighters that all the cool Instagram people seem to have.

8. Habit tracker

This is a great tool for those interested in tracking their water intake or a daily exercise routine. Writing it in your journal helps keep you accountable and more motivated to complete your goals.

9. Mood tracker

Stay aware of your moods and mental health with this nifty tracker. Keep in mind what causes your low days and try to avoid them by keeping a positive mentality and following whichever routine got you through your happier days.

10. Personal pages

This could include anything from a list movie or shows you want to watch to keeping track of birthdays to taking notes in class because you forgot your spiral. Your journal is meant as a place to hold whatever you may need to use it as such!

So there you have it, my lengthy and opinionated bullet journaling tips that will hopefully help you get organized and enjoy meeting your daily goals just like it helped me! And again, if the price is an issue, your bullet journal is only as expensive as you make it. Generic brand stuff works just as well if not sometimes better than artsy-fartsy equipment!