There’s no question about it: College is difficult. The pace of learning is faster, and the instructors’ expectations are higher than what you likely experienced in high school. In order to stay on top of your coursework this spring, it is critical to find ways to manage your time and responsibilities. Follow these tips for getting and staying organized in college:
- Use a planner or calendar. Perhaps the single most effective way to be more organized is to start scheduling your time. Using a calendar to track important dates and events can help you visualize your time in order to be more productive with it. Some students swear by using a color-coding method so they can see at a glance when they have papers, projects, or exams in specific classes. You may need to experiment using a paper calendar vs. a calendar app to find which option works best for you.
- Maintain a to-do list. While a calendar keeps track of important assignments and tests, it isn’t always sufficient in helping you stay on top of your day-to-day responsibilities. Use a to-do list to track tasks, both large and small. A daily agenda can help break bigger projects into more manageable components, so you don’t end up scrambling to do a week’s worth of work one day before an assignment is due. Plus, there is something particularly satisfying about crossing off finished items.
- Don’t procrastinate. A calendar and to-do list are great tools to help govern your time, but they are only as effective as you allow them to be. Some students fall into the trap of putting off work they perceive will be more challenging or time-consuming, only to struggle to meet deadlines. The temptation to procrastinate can be strong; however, intentionally using your time effectively and not putting off until tomorrow should lead to a less stressful, more enjoyable, college experience.
- Systematize class notes and materials. If you are only taking one class at a time, it’s probably not difficult to keep the information orderly. However, college students enrolled in multiple courses could find themselves in trouble if they don’t have a system for organizing various syllabi, handouts, notes, and other materials. Use folders or three-ring binders and have dedicated notebooks for each class so you always know where to look for the necessary resources. This makes completing homework and studying for finals much smoother which, in turn, can lead to better grades.
- Keep a tidy living space. If you want to stay organized in college, fix up your living space. Little things like making the bed every day, dusting and arranging the surface of your desk, and cleaning clutter off the floor can help you feel calmer and in control. Committing to five minutes each day spent straightening your home can help you be more put together in other facets of your life too, including with coursework.
- Take care of yourself. Last but not least, you will be better able to maintain structure in college if you are deliberate about taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Get enough sleep each night, wake up at the same time most days, sustain a nutritious diet, and make time for physical fitness. These habits will help during your school years and beyond.
When you learn how to stay organized in college (and, just as important, how to keep organized in college), you should see a dramatic decrease in your stress level.
LEVERAGE STUDENT RESOURCES AND SERVICES THIS SPRING
Don’t forget to take advantage of resources available through your school, designed to help busy students thrive and succeed. At Generations College in Chicago, we understand that staying organized in college can be a struggle. No matter which of our associate degree programs you pursue, and regardless of whether you take daytime or evening classes, online or on-campus, we are committed to helping you reach your educational goals. Contact us today to learn more.