As we're already heading back into the swing of things, or hoping to find our footing in yet another busy semester, there seems to be much stress and anxiousness about what the coming months have to offer. At least as a second-semester sophomore, I hold these feelings to be true. Amping up the load of requirements that need to get done, the meetings and appointments that have to be attended, and the classes that need to have high grades in are the first things that come to our minds...right?

To make sure we stick to having a great semester ahead, I've come up with a list of tactics that are proven useful and very helpful when organizing and planning when to get things completed in a timely fashion.

Freshman, this is for all of you too. I've learned these few tips and tricks along the way, and it's super helpful in the long run.

1. Make lists

My favorite pass-time activity. Seriously, those bullet points of what needs to happen next Tuesday from 4-7 pm will help you in the long run. Don't keep it all in your head, write it all down! You'll feel much better.

2. Use the Calendar App

It's a tedious task, and a bit frustrating to function, but the calendar is there for a reason, so use it wisely! Schedule in those appointments and reminders instead of feeding off of another person to remember it for you. I use this app all of the time, and found that it works wonders.

3. Write in your agenda book

The only way I actually get things done is to write down when all of my exams are, assignments are due, and readings that are to be completed. It's a super useful tactic and one that we can all appreciate at this time in the year.

4. Maximize your time

By that, I don't mean to not watch your favorite TV show an hour before you go to bed...because we all do that, and that's what (usually) keeps us sane during the school year, at least for me. But, if it is 2 p.m. and you're done with class early, don't spend the rest of the day binging a new series (like Gossip Girl) when you could be doing work that's due tomorrow morning. Pushing off all of your work until nighttime is inefficient and very, super, really stressful, to say the least.

5. Smile when doing homework!!

I try to enjoy everything that I read, and doing so will help you get through a lot of material more quickly. Reading is fun, and although sometimes a bit heavy or a bit too convoluted to understand, it's meant to be read for a reason.

Happy studies and good luck to all with another great semester ahead!!