The semester has started and per usual syllabus week commences. This week many people praise because it lets you ease back into the swing of things and you likely won’t be doing much school work. The problem with this is all of the sudden teachers start diving into information and you just weren’t ready for it because you were still on a honeymoon with the syllabus. It sort of reminds you of riding a bike and all of the sudden the bike is on fire and you’re in hell.

Don’t let this happen to you. The good news is I am here to help. Throughout my two years of college I have found out that the best way to combat this is by prioritizing.

First step is buying a planner. If you don’t already use one of these I’m not really sure how you have made it this far. Then take all of your syllabuses and write down every due date, test date, and every reading. Yes, this takes a while and your hand will probably hurt like crazy but I promise you that it will be worth it in the end.

Then throughout the year you can check your planner to know exactly everything that you have to do on any given day. If you ever come across a busy day just grab a piece of paper or note card and write out the things that you have to do in priority order. The things that are due first at the top and the things that are easier and due later at the bottom. This way you have all of your ducks in a little row so you’re prepared for everything.

Your life this semester will be so much better if you do this. You can thank me later.