With college classes back in full swing, it is so easy to feel extremely overwhelmed on the first week back. Every professor has different expectations, a different style of doing this, and you are just trying to not fall behind right away. With multiple classes, clubs, sports, and a social life, organization is definitely a necessity to stay in control of as much as you possibly can! Here are some of the best ways to get and stay organized in school.

1. Get a Planner

This is one of the biggest things. There are so many types, brands, and styles of planners that it is easy to find one that is perfect for you. Although it might seem like an obvious thing to have, the key is to actually put it good use. Mark down every time you have a meeting, assignments due, test dates, papers etc. There is so much to keep track of school that having one place to go for all of your to-do lists, important dates, and a place to cross these off when done is so important.

2. Set goals

Another key to staying organized is setting some goals for the week, month or even semester. If there is a huge project that you know will be coming up, instead of pushing it off and leaving it for those last few days, set certain goals in which can help you stay on track and organized throughout the whole process. Although it is difficult to initially get started, you will be thanking yourself later for getting started on time and not leaving things for the last minute.

3. Print the Syllabi for all your classes

In most cases, professors like to follow their syllabus as closely as possible. This usually has all the important dates for exams, papers, quizzes, and other assignments. Having a printed one that you can easily pull out to check when something is due is a life saver. Even being able to cross off the big assignments that have passed will help you feel a bit more accomplished and productive! Having these in printed form is a great way to be able to look ahead so that you will never be shocked when an exam is coming up and you had no idea.

4. Organize your folders and notebooks by day/class

Getting a big notebook for every Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday class can really make it easy for you to grab what you need before class. Even if you are not usually the type of person to organize a class by color, or even organize your notebooks at all, this is such an easy tip to try that can help you feel a lot better when handling all of your courses.