During this holiday weekend, we're re-running some of our most popular posts chock full of timeless tips, including keeping your college student organized!
College can be overwhelming. Among extracurricular activities, meeting new people, exploring the campus and of course let's not forget class, it is easy for your life and dorm room to be in complete disarray. The best thing I can recommend from experience is staying organized. It helps wonders when you are heading out the door in a hurry and need your keys, and oh yes, that book is due back to the library as well and your dry cleaning needs to be picked up... you get the point. Keep a planner with youThis is my favorite tip that I still use today. When you receive your syllabus from each class in the beginning of the school year, most likely teachers will have listed the dates when you have papers due, tests, holidays and what chapters you need to read each week. Copy these dates to your planner and use your planner as a master calendar. Write everything in it. Also try and take your planner everywhere you go that is school related. That way if you meet up with a friend and want to schedule some study time for the following week, you can look and see what commitments you already have planned. Another perk of carrying your planner around, you can take note of event notices while walking through campus. If you read the paper or see a preview ad for a big fall sale, write that in too, so you don't forget to check it out. It may sound silly now, but once getting into the swing of things, it is easy to forget even the smallest things. Stock your backpackIt's good to keep certain items in your backpack to avoid leaving something behind. I found using a checklist is a good way to make sure you have everything you need with you before you leave in the morning. Some good things to have are pens, pencils, highlighters, Post Its, tissues, water bottle, coins for vending machines or parking (if you drive) and your school ID. Another good thing to keep is a small stapler, because so often, teachers want you to have your papers stapled but they may not have one in their room to let you borrow. Find a place for everythingEverything you own should have a place that way it doesn't wind up on the floor or hidden under a pile of laundry. Keeping your keys in one designated spot is a really good idea (Believe me, I speak from experience). And get in the habit of always putting them away as soon as you get back to your room. It's a really good habit that will follow you throughout your life. Also make sure when you are done using something, put it back. Finished studying art history and moving onto algebra? IT would be a good idea to put away all your art history papers and books before you start solving equations. Prepare the night beforeI worked full time and went to school full time with little amounts of sleep each night, so I was the queen of waking up late and hitting my alarm button without even realizing it. The best advice regarding being prepared, which goes hand in hand with being organized, is to set up for tomorrow as much as you can tonight. Look what the weather is going to be the next day and lay out your outfit. Pack your lunch, put out your books for class and make sure you go down your checklist to ensure you backpack is stocked with your essentials. That way if you do wake up late, you'll be less likely to forget the important things that will enable you have a successful day. Reward yourselfLast but not least, reward yourself for staying on top of your game. Plan a night with friends, catch a movie and buy that adorable pair of pumps you've been eyeing, especially if they are on sale! Rewarding yourself helps you stay motivated and to continue staying organized. Just don't forget your planner when you go out to reward yourself.
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