1. Prioritize

No joke, I know it sounds cliche, but in order to survive in college, you must prioritize. Ironically, you will realize grades are not the number one priority. You are a priority. Yes, grades are important, but your health matters more, relationships matter more. Focus on your health and maintain important relationships in order to develop a healthy lifestyle. Everything else will come easily once you exhibit healthy habits. These four years are about prepping for your career, but they're also about finding yourself, discovering who you want to be and what is important to you. This type of mindset will obviously come with age, that's just natural, but if you incorporate these healthy tips into your life at an early stage it will save you a lot of trouble!

2. Set goals

Although each student has different goals, there is one universal rule that you should set for yourself: if you write it down, get it done. This type of mindset will keep you motivated and allow you to determine the most important tasks and assignments in the appropriate order.

3. Organize

Two helpful options: first, use a single planner for everything that life throws you. Second, use two separate planners- one for academics and one for meetings, social dates, and important dates for organizations you are in. There are pros to both options, but it's up to you to decide if you find it easier to have everything in one place or to separate the information accordingly.

Be sure to clean out your bags, purses and book bag at least once a week. Not only can this be a relaxing activity, but you will also find yourself less stressed and better prepared. Try out this organization method as one of the many options available to prep yourself for each week:

In order to be successful academically you must do more than just attend class. It is vital that you figure out what type of note-taking method works for you. Whether you are a traditional notebook note-taker or you've downloaded the latest One Note software to your laptop, figure out what you need to do to exceed. Organized notes lead to an organized brain, which leads to an organized life.

Be sure to keep all keys in a safe place. It can get confusing separating car keys from dorm or apartment keys, so make sure to organize these objects. For example, some great hacks are to color-code your keys! This can be done by painting the keys with nail polish, using color-coded key rings from your local hardware store, or even using Washi tape to differentiate your keys from each other. Here are the steps to do this:

http://www.abubblylife.com/2012/04/5-minute-diy-color-code-your-keys.html?m=1

http://cinemaandspice.com/washi-tape-house-keys/

4. Gather important contact information

Keep all of your professor's contact information in an easily accessible spot. Whether it is on your phone, e-mail address book, syllabus or your planner, this information is so important. Not only will it come in handy when you have questions about your assignments, but you also won't stress when you wake up extremely sick before class and you need to let your professor know.

5. Lists

Write, write, write, and re-write lists. Once you cross off things on your list you can write a new list compiled of leftover tasks. It is helpful to write out your daily agenda in order to utilize time to the best of your ability.

6. Leave yourself notes in visible places

This is important- especially if you're the forgetful type. Jot down things you need to bring to class or finish before you leave on sticky notes and place them around your room or in your planner. Some good placements would be the mirror because you always check yourself out before going to class, the door (just in case you're running late and don't check yourself out before class), and the refrigerator.

7. Take it easy, but not too easy

Believe me, telling yourself that it is okay to skip one class will lead to skipping five classes (in one week). It's alright to justify napping in between classes or before meetings but know your limits. Take it easy, but always make sure your schedule requires you to push yourself. I mean, after all, doesn't life get too boring when you're not constantly on the go?