College can definitely be a shock for students who didn’t stay organized in high school. You usually don’t have as many classes in college, but I feel as though you have to stay even more organized while on campus. You’ve all heard that professors don’t send out reminders and only talk to you if you go to their office hours — which may be true for some. However, most professors I came across during my freshman year were pretty understanding for first-time offenders of lateness or forgetfulness. True, professors may not take your paper a week late, but if you thought that paper was due the next time the class meets, I think they’ll understand if you can get it in by midnight. Luckily, these offenses can usually be prevented by staying organized and on top of your school work. Here’s a few tips and tools I used to make sure my work was always finished on time, and my semester stayed, for the most part, stress free.
1. Keep an agenda
This can be so, so helpful!! I didn’t start using my agenda until the second semester of my freshman year, but I definitely felt a little better-organized that second half. It’s so easy to carry around in your backpack or purse and pull out when a professor mentions test dates, or you are asked out on a date.
2. Desk Organizers
Keeping an organized area of study was crucial for me! It was so much easier to stay focused on the task at hand with a decluttered desk to work on. By using cups, storage boxes, or stackable containers, you can keep supplies easily accessible while working hard.
3. Filing Folders
These are so handy to store old class notes, tests, and syllabuses in. I used a file for each class, and when it was time for the final, I had all of my study materials right there, ready to study.
4. Desk Calendar
I invested in one of these my second semester as well, and it was a lifesaver! I would look at it first thing in the morning, reminding myself of what I had on my schedule throughout the day. It was also an extremely wonderful feeling to tear off when each month was over.
5. Smartphone/Computer Apps
By using apps such as the Reminder app on your iPhone or Evernote, made for PCs, tablets, or smartphones, you can be sure to stay on track. Let’s be honest, you’re on your phone already, so go ahead and set up some reminders.
6. Sticky Notes
Sticky Notes are so fun, to start. They come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, as well as being sticky — what’s not to love? You can stick these on your door, fridge, laptop, anywhere you need to remind yourself of something. There were girls on my floor who had trouble locking their keys in their room, so they stuck like, 10 sticky notes on their door that said things like “Don't forget your keys” — all in different, neon colors!
7. Colored Pens/Highlighters
Another fun way to stay organized. These come in handy while note taking. I like to use at least two different colors while taking notes during a lecture! It helps my mind stay focused, and it’s wonderful how much pink ink is pleasing to my eyeballs.
8. Separate Notebooks/Binders for Each Class
Keeping your notes separated by notebooks is so convenient. In the morning, I’m able to simply grab whatever notebooks I need for that day, throw them in my bag, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting yesterday’s notes for today's class!
9. Make a daily schedule and at least try to stick to it throughout the year
Before the semester starts, you will already know when your classes will take place. Take advantage of this knowledge by planning out your daily routine. Granted, you probably won’t stick to this plan every day. However, there have been studies that show you are more likely to follow through with your plans if you write them down ahead of time. This can be helpful if you have trouble finding time to study, work out, or relax!
10. Best Friend
OK, maybe this last one is a little exaggerated, but it seriously helps so much to have an accountability partner to keep your mind on track! If I was hanging out with my friend Annie, she would usually have to remind me: “Don’t you have to go to a meeting in 10 minutes?” I seriously do not recommend relying on others for your everyday activities, but if you’re lucky enough to have someone help you along the way — keep them!
All these things in mind, try your best to just have fun in college. By staying organized, you can more easily prevent slip ups and tardiness, but life happens. It’s not the end of the world if you forget an assignment, and you’ll be fine if you skip that meeting at 8 a.m. Don’t stress too much, that’s what real life is for!
