In college, there is a new kind of freedom. Freedom to choose what you eat, where you go and what you do. With these freedoms come temptations. One temptation is to procrastinate. Procrastination is the cause of mediocre projects and "okay" grades. In my experience, keeping these five tips while I work has helped me in the long run.
1. Buy a Planner.
In elementary to high school, I was given an agenda book to write down my homework for free. I took these for granted. In college, I realized how useful planners were. Planners are your life in college. It helps you keep up with every assignment and know when your club meetings are. The Lilly Pulitzer planners are a popular choice because of their design. For some people, pretty designs motivate them to keep using their planners. Without a planner, it can be hectic trying to memorize dates and constantly checking on due dates. A planner keeps your life in check and is a physical copy of all your commitments in one place.
2. Google Calendar
Having Google Calendar or a like-wise app it very useful if you have a smartphone. If you have an event that day, you receive a notification through your phone notifications and email. It gives you an alert 30 minutes before the event. Having this calendar on your phone and laptop is useful, because if you lose your planner, you will still have a back-up. Google Calendar also comes free with your e-mail.
3. Study Groups
This is a personal preference, but I found that I did the most work in a group setting. With peers and friends around me, I didn't want to look like a slacker and did my work. Although there were times of distractions, I still did more work than when I was alone, where I was susceptible to every kind of distraction. Study groups are also useful when you don't know how to do an assignment. There is always someone to help you when you need it.
4. Library
Study in the quiet zone of the library. In this area, every sound you make hinders the work of another. Because of this, I found myself forced to work. The quiet can be peaceful. After a day of classes, some time to yourself is needed to calm down and destress. The library also has many databases and librarians to help you find sources for articles. There are also tutorial centers to get help. There are also printing services.
5. Motivate yourself with your favorite snacks or drinks.
I usually bring my favorite drinks or snacks with me to study to help keep me awake and encourage myself to do assignments in advance. By not eating your favorite foods, you will be inclined to eat them at any opportunity you get.
