Now that the semester is upon us, many are trying to get into the midframe of school and think how they can make this semester the best it can be. This usually includes good grades and a sane state of mind. Such things can be achieved when one stays organized and on track throughout this semester. Unfortunately, such a goal is easier said than done, so for that reason here are some products and some extra ideas that can help you stay organized, sane, and on track this semester.
1. A planner.
I honestly do not know how one functions without a planner. Without mine, I would miss half of my homework and other assignments. It lets you have everything set in one area so you can get a good look at obligations and what needs to be done.
2. Make a schedule.
Making yourself a schedule is known to help promote better activity, which applies to students as well. This gives your mind a look at the big picture so you can see what to expect and how to schedule your time to get the most out of your effort.
3. Divider sticky notes.
These sticky notes are great to help section off your notes in any way you see fit. Whether it's by chapters, like shown above, or by some other way, they do a great job at breaking things down and making it easy to find it subject and topic. An extra plus is that you can add notes on the sticky so you can summarize the topic, or give yourself important details that may be needed from that section.
4. Or regular sticky notes.
If one doesn't have the fancy divider notes, sticky notes also work too. It can help differentiate chapters, or topics, or just give you a highlight of a very important page.
5. Color coordinate.
The brain picks up on weird things, a lot having to do with the senses. When one color codes important things, the brain can take that sight and tie it together, making it easier to connect the topics together where needed. It also appears more organized when certain classes or subjects are color coordinated, such as blue for science and green for English. It keeps it all more orderly and neat.
6. Save syllabi.
Ever have a question halfway through the semester at 2 a.m. regarding an assignment? Most do, so instead of tossing that syllabus after the first week, keep it in a known place where you can go back and look over it. Bye bye, late-night freakouts, and hello neat and orderly successful student.
7. Time your studying.
Give yourself a time to work with. For instance study with no distractions for 50 minutes and then after that 50 minutes reward yourself with a 10-minute study break. Get out of your chair and move your legs before buckling down again for another 50 minutes of focused studying.
8. Accordion file folders.
Personally, I have always liked to keep a folder for most recent and coming up assignments just to keep things better separated and organized. This takes organization to the next level by having multiple slots that can be used for different classes or deadlines. It's an added bonus that they are really cute and come in pretty colors.
9. Use self-control.
This app makes web searching and social media meandering "turn off" for the allotment that you turn it off for. The only way to get through the times is to focus on your studies until the time is up. This makes study time much more focused.
10. To-do lists.
Make a clear and easy list to follow of things that need to be done that day, week, or month. Writing or typing it all out makes you less likely to forget and more likely to actually finish your tasks, making you feel much more successful and organized.
Good luck everyone, make this your best semester yet!
