Getting ready for the new semester of school is never easy. This is mostly because who really wants to go back to school after a long break?
Well, we have to. So to make this go more smoothly, get organized this semester. School is stressful: trying to be on time, keeping track of papers, studying for exams and juggling having a life outside of class. Being disorganized will add to the chaos, but keeping everything neat and tidy with these five tips below will be one less thing to worry about.
1. Get a Planner
This is the obvious answer. Planners are lifesavers, and they help you remember things that you don't have time to remember. All you need to do is write down assignments and exam dates, and then check your planner at least once a day. Take the syllabus from each class and go through and write down due dates right at the beginning of the semester.
You can find big ones to write down every detail or small ones that can fit in your purse. There are fun covers and a lot of stickers that help with remembering things from class times to doctor's appointments, birthdays, days you plan to go to the gym and so much more.
2. Know How to Take Notes
You need to know how to take effective notes in a way that works for you. Don't be one of those people who write notes so sloppily that you can't even read them when you study. Some people like to separate the pages, like in the picture above. One side with notes from the lesson, the other side could be topics you don't understand and need more practice with, or maybe names and dates you'll need to know on a test.
The separate bottom section is a good idea: a summary section. That way, you need to actually think about what the lecture was about and summarize it yourself. This gives you a better understanding.
Some students learn more visually, so they will draw little doodles within their notes to help remember topics. Just remember to keep it neat and legible, and bullet points help to keep different subjects organized.
3. Write Neatly
(Or do write neatly a second time)
Sometimes when the professor is just talking too fast or you think faster than your hand can write, your handwriting gets a little sloppy. But if your notebook is full of scribbles that you can't read, you're not going to have the motivation to read through them to study (you know, the night before the exam).
The best way to overcome this, and even to understand the material better, is to rewrite the notes. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but rewriting something and rereading something helps you better understand and know the information. This second time around, you can write neater and learn the lesson again. Doing this helps connect the dots of simply memorizing something to actually knowing something.
4. Have Fun Through Note-taking
(Sounds weird, I know)
Taking notes doesn't have to be boring. Think of it this way, you're going to school for something you're going to love (hopefully), so have fun with it along the way.
Hopefully you're taking classes you are interested in, so get excited about them. Make cover pages for each class, and draw pictures in your notes to help you learn. Use colorful sticky notes for reminders, and colored pens or highlighters if you'd like. I'm assuming school is going to take up most of your time for a few years, so you might as well enjoy the little things!
5. Keep Everything Separated but in One Place
This is probably the most important step, in my opinion. I used to carry around a backpack with five different notebooks, five folders, and papers all mixed up. Then, one year I got a 5-subject notebook and it changed my life. Everything is in one place, I just need to grab the notebook and go. Every class has a different section, and it is organized. Trust me, it is so much easier than worrying about where you put this or that notebook or bringing the wrong one to class.
I hope these organizing tips help you along the way this semester (and not just the first three weeks)!
