1. Make a list of things you need to get done each day.

This list is for you and only you, meaning you can get creative in however you put it together. You can organize your list by priority or by things you do and don't want to do. You can also include your schedule for the day. This list will be your way of holding yourself accountable.

2. Use the reward system.

Now I know we had enough of the reward system in elementary and middle school, but that's because it does work. Again, this is for you and only you, so you choose how it works. Personally, I like to give myself a five to ten-minute break after I get a certain amount of work done.

Sometimes, I'll even wait until I finish my work before I watch a new episode of whatever show I'm binge watching that day. Use whatever you think will work for you.

3. Use your list to make plans.

Now I hate having to commit to study plans just as much as the next student, but laying out your day means you can map out time to do the things you love as well. It's a helpful way to find a balance between the things you love to do and the things you need to do.

4. Tell people about your plans.

Telling one of your friends, "I'm doing homework at eight," makes you more likely to do your homework at eight. If you decide to binge watch Netflix instead, there's someone to hold you accountable.

5. Schedule “Me Time.”

This time shouldn't be spent surfing the internet and scrolling through social media. This is the time in your day for self-care and distressing. College can be a pretty stressful place, to say the least, and it's likely that stress will make you avoid your priorities.

So, whether or not you use this time for an extra long skin-care routine or simply to take a yoga class, make sure you're releasing some of your anxieties.

6. Make sure your schedule isn’t overloaded.

Sometimes, in college, we take on more than we're prepared for. If you find you're still struggling, even when you think you balanced out your schedule, it's likely you're doing too much. Assess the situation and figure out whether it's a certain class or activity holding you back, and take this into account when you're setting your schedule for next semester.