Faces of school spirit and excitement roam throughout the halls. The campus is detailed with new beginnings and interesting opportunities. Friendships are being formed. Clubs are off to a start. Sports teams are beginning to compete, and the crisp air of fall surrounds you.

The school year has officially begun. A time full of both stress and excitement, no matter which institution you attend.

Here are some of my favorite school hacks and tips to keep you organized and prepared throughout the academic year:

1. Invest in a planner.

A planner is great for keeping responsibilities in order, managing time, reducing last-minute stress, and finding balance on a daily basis.

My favorite planners are by Kate Spade. I love the stylish format and appealing color themes. There are many cheaper alternatives, however!

2. Download the app “Wunderlist”.

Wunderlist is a great resource that can supplement a planner. I depend on the app and believe it has the best to-do list feature. Wunderlist allows you to track all of your personal, professional, and/or school-related tasks in an organized fashion. The app is free in the App Store.

3. Transfer all assignments and due dates from your syllabi into your planner.

The first week of school is a great time to do this. You will thank yourself later in the term or semester when the pace of classes increases.

4. Keep track of your syllabi.

Professors do not consistently remind you of the information on the syllabus. It is smart to print multiple copies of your syllabi and keep them in one place to reference when applicable. Continue to refer back to syllabi throughout the course to ensure you are not missing any important information or guidelines.

A great place to store syllabi is a Multi-Pocket Subject Folder.

5. Color-code your notes.

It is scientifically proven that the brain is drawn to reading and retaining information that is in color. Color-coded notes “pop out,” which is important when comprehending new concepts and ideas.

My favorite pens are by Staedtler. They do not bleed through, come in a variety of color options, and have a fine tip.

6. Prepare your backpack.

Before arriving to class, make sure you have all required materials in your bag. Coming to class unprepared will distract you and throw you off track.

Here are some essentials I always keep in my backpack throughout the year:

 
• A water bottle
 
• Graphing calculator
 
• Pens, pencils
 
• Highlighters
 
• White-out
 
• Pocket notebook
 
• Planner
 
• Phone charger, laptop charger
 
• Headphones
 
• Mini stapler and staples
 
• Paper clips
 
• Tissues
 
• Gum, mints
 
• Small umbrella
 
• Keys
 
• School Identification Card
 
• $5-10 emergency money
 
• Hair ties, bobby pins

My favorite backpacks are by North Face. They are well made, very durable, and have many compartments to hold all your essentials.

7. Keep your designated homework area clean.

Having a presentable and organized workspace will increase your productivity. Consider investing in shelf dividers, pen holders, or acrylic trays to keep your area clean. My favorite places to find these items are HomeGoods, Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond. A de-cluttered workspace will motivate you to start working.

8. Find a study buddy in every class.

I always try to exchange phone numbers with a friendly person in each one of my classes. Throughout the entire course you can rely on each other for any information you may need.

9.Carry a pocket notebook for miscellaneous notes.

I always keep a small notebook in my purse or backpack to jot down random things throughout the day. This method keeps me organized because I can always keep track of due dates and upcoming assignments I may have pushed to the side. While in class, you can write down certain things professors or classmates say and reference them later. I write to-do lists and even brainstorm creative thoughts if I have an extra five minutes in between classes. My favorite small notebooks are the small Moleskine notebooks that are 2.5 x 4.1 inches. They are usually sold in a pack of two and can be found at Target, Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, and more places.

10. Calculate how much each class costs.

First start by knowing how much your course is for the term or semester. Then divide that number by the number of weeks in your term or semester. Furthermore, divide that new number by the number of times you meet per week. This will give you an estimate as to how much money you are wasting when you decide to skip class, and hopefully encourage you to do so less.

11. Use Google Calendar.

Google Calendar is a great tool for organizing recurring events such as class times, club meetings, or work schedules. You can color code different events so you always have a visual grid of what your week looks like. This will help you schedule things quicker and easier.

12. Keep important documents in an expanding file folder.

Throughout the school year, it is essential to have all important documents, notes, assignments, and more in one designated place that is easily accessible. I organize my expanding file folder with the following categories

A. Personal Information Section

This includes…

 
• Copy of high school transcript
 
• Contact information of relatives
 
• Emergency numbers
 
• Copy of passport
 
• Birth Certificate
 
• Social Security card
 
• Driver license

B. Medical Section

This includes…

 
• Medical and dental insurance cards
 
• Immunization record
 
• Home doctor contact information
 
• hospital/urgent care address and phone number for when health center is closed

C. Academic Section

This includes...

 
• Confirmation of book orders
 
• Receipts for books
 
• Course listing
 
• Schedule of classes
 
• Advisor name & number
 
• Financial aid records

D. Housing Section

This includes…

 
• Housing contract
 
• Housing rules
 
• Residential Assistant name and phone number

13. Get ahead on reading.

When you’re ahead on required reading before you arrive to class, the meeting time will serve as a review session for you. One of the best ways for the mind to process information is through repetition.

14. Take advantage of student discounts and deals.

If you are a college student, research the discounts you can receive. My favorite deal is six months of Amazon Prime, so I can get free two-day shipping! Sign up for an account on “UNiDAYS” to explore deals that may interest you.