Tips to Keep Students Organized

Atlanta, GA — A new year has begun which for some means setting new goals and making new commitments. This also signals the start of a new semester for me as a student, which means a chance to improve my grades from the previous semester. 

If your New Year's resolution is to be a better organized student, I've got a few suggestions and hacks that have helped me stay on track and improve my time management.

Get a Planner

Make sure you have a planner, whether it's digital or one you can write in. Don't overlook the options at Walmart, TJ Maxx, Burlington and Ross; they're a wonderful place to start. Events, homework assignments, classes, meetings and much more may all be kept track of with a planner. 

Consider what you want to use the planner for, as there are several varieties such as passion planners, budgeting planners, vacation planners, and so on. Each calendar is unique, with stickers, habit trackers, prayers, inspiring quotations, and other features.

Planners are an excellent tool for preventing burnout since they allow you to understand just how much you have on your plate. Make sure to schedule time for yourself throughout the day and week to avoid feeling pressured or overwhelmed. 

Also, set aside some time during the day to update and review your to-do list for the day and/or week.

Create a To-Do List

Make a to-do list, especially if you're like me and need a little additional motivation to get through the day. Every day, I attempt to make a list of at least three things I want to do. On days when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, I start with simple things like making my bed to get me going. 

As I prepare to face the greater challenges, this allows me to celebrate my minor wins. A to-do list is a simple way to organize your goals and hold yourself accountable to them. 

There are apps like Google Keeps or Structured, which allow you to check things off electronically, but good old fashioned paper and Post-it Notes can do the trick too.

Declutter

Make sure you take the time to tidy your home. This can include reorganizing your closet and just retaining the stuff you love, as well as cleaning up your workstation and discarding old papers. 

A tidy workspace where you know where everything is may make life so much easier and help you to plan ahead for those assignments. If you require storage containers or organizational shelves, now is the time to get them. 

Five Below is a wonderful place to start if you're on a budget. Make time to clean out your phone and computer by deleting unnecessary apps, images and messages, as well as unsubscribing from emails.

Prepare 

Make sure you're ready. This might include food planning, packing your backpack the night before, laying out your outfits for the day or week or anything else that makes your day, and life, go more smoothly. 

This means you'll have one less thing to worry about in the morning! Preparation might also make you feel more at ease and confident about the task at hand. This is also a fantastic approach for reducing anxiety.