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Student life is busy. With too many things going on, it’s easy to feel like things are piling on top of the other. And if you’re not naturally organized, this can translate to stress—which is not a good mindset to be in when you’re trying to bring out your best in your studies.
Good thing is, learning how to be organized for college is simply about developing good habits and creating a system that works for you. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some simple tips to get you to break through the clutter and be an even more effective student.
1. Develop a routine
Success in your studies relies much on being consistent on the right set or priorities. Start with writing your general weekly schedule and work around wit to create a routine. This involves things like your schedule for doing homework, reviewing lessons, etc. Also, add activities for self-improvement like exercise or meditation. You will also need to take a breather every once in a while to not let the pressures of student life catch up.
You might not be able to stick to this routine all the time, but the basic framework of having one will help you stay on track.
2. Set rules for yourself
Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”.
And we mean ultra-specific rules that you will need to abide. These could be things like “go home before 9pm” or “complete all your assignments one full day prior to the due date, not the night before.” Review your own personal rules when it is convenient for you and adjust accordingly.
3. Write everything down
You may be confident with your memory but there’s no guarantee that you will remember everything you have to remember. And besides, trying to compress all those things can be stressful, when it should be reserved for your academics. Make it a habit to write down all your class schedules, meetings, events, ideas, or everything you will need to do. There are available apps that you can conveniently use for this. Afterward, you can transfer them into a notebook or planner.
4. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask
You have multiple classes that each demand certain requirements from you. It might seem the logical thing to do, but multitasking has never been a good idea. You’re only pretending to work twice as hard without actually producing the best outcome.
Take each task one by one, in order of priority. If available, write them down on sticky notes and put them on your work desk in order of importance. Treat them like tickets that you will take out as soon as you finish the task. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment seeing the tickets go one by one.
5. Declutter once a week
At the end of each week, look through the pile of papers and trash that you’ve accumulated. Decide which ones are still necessary, which can be recycled, and which ones need to go. Leaving clutter around you will only attract more clutter and will ultimately take your focus away.
6. Learn to say no
In line with giving yourself rules, being an effective student comes with having to make small sacrifices and boundaries. Decide how many times you’ll go out with your friends each week, how many days each week you’ll devote to extracurricular activities, and what your priorities are.
Don’t feel bad about saying no. It’s just there is a right time for everything and you have determined when these are ideal for you.
7. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately
Productivity expert David Allen advocates the “two-minute rule” where a task that will only take two minutes or less to do should be done right away.
When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too.
8. Clear your desk at the end of each day
A clean desk will motivate you to study fresh. It will only take a few minutes to do at night. It will prevent clutter from building up and will help you decide which tasks to do.
9. Create a conducive environment at home for studying
To be an effective student, you also need to have the ideal work environment and study tools.
Have a clean table and enough source of lighting. Get an organizer for your pens, papers, etc. Never study on your bed as you will be put in a mindset to lay down.
Your journey as a student will ultimately be personal. However, these tips will serve as a guideline for you to develop your own strategy to approach your studies. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t find one that works for you immediately. Remember, every day is progress.
Read our previous journal for more features.
