1. Pick the Perfect Planner

Pick a planner that is both durable and lightweight. If it can't survive some raindrops, a small coffee spill, or the corners can't withstand a fall off of your desk- don't get it. Also, consider what you want to keep in your planner, such as pay stubs or printed schedules. I personally like planners with a plastic cover and pockets.

2. Make a Key

Consider what you do in your free time as well as your responsibilities and events that you need to remember: Birthdays, class, club/sorority meetings, work, concerts, church, etc.

I personally highlight the days I have class, use fun colors for birthdays, use red for work, and my sorority colors for chapter meetings and events.

3. Fill in any permanent dates with your color key

Birthdays, trips, doctors appointments, classes and more are what you need to put in ahead of time. That way you never plan something and miss class or an important event.

4. Look up your schools academic calendar

Google search your calendar and your college or university should have it posted. Make sure to write down what day the semester starts, end of your add/drop class, when payments are due, last day to withdraw, what days the school is closed, and of course, finals week.

This can help you organize when you plan on visiting home ahead of time.

5. Set Goals

Think of things you want to accomplish in your free time. Do you want to go to the gym four times a week or have devotional twice a week? Maybe set aside time for cleaning or self-care?

Similar to a year in pixels, you can line color-coated boxes in a side column either weekly or monthly and color them in when you complete each item. If you do it on your monthly calendar, and you want to go to the gym four times a week, line up sixteen boxes to be colored in.

6. Use your monthly planner for events and your weekly planner for assignments

While you can set up text notifications on programs like canvas, you should also write down your assignments so you can access your due dates with or without your phone. This will help you mentally set up your week and help you manage your time. They always say you remember things better by writing them down.

7. You don't need a Lilly P. planner to decorate events with cute stickers

You can buy stickers at Target, Walmart, or any place that sells cute little scrapbook stickers! This can make your planner a little more appealing to the eye, especially if you have bad handwriting like me!

8. Strikethrough - don't scribble

To decrease how sloppy your monthly calendar can get, don't scribble out events if they are canceled or moved. Strikethrough them.

9. If your planner has a ledger - use it

Whether you pay for college or you get financial aid, it is important to keep track of your spending. It will help you realistically look at your expenses and keep you prepared for when you're on your own.

10. Bring your planner everywhere!

This was my biggest regret when trying to stay organized. If you don't write it down, you're not going to remember it!