For most of us, college is the first time we experience full independence. Want popcorn for dinner? Not a problem. But, with this newfound independence comes a lack of structure. Your life, along with your room, can quickly become chaotic and full of clutter. But here is a complete guide for how to stay organized in college.
Whether it‘s getting on top of schoolwork or keeping your room neat, staying organized is essential to succeed in college.
How to Keep your Schoolwork Organized
Start Early
Don’t wait until the first day of classes to start worrying about schoolwork. That first “syllabus” week will be much more chaotic and busy than you are expecting. If you start your courses already behind, you’ll spend the rest of the semester trying to play catchup..
Use a Planner
I was never a fan of using a planner to write down every detail and to-do list (but if that works for you, go for it). I would always start off strong for the first couple of weeks and then slowly start to taper off. And, one day it would get pushed under my desk and never used again.
But, one of the most useful tips I learned during my first year of college was to use a planner to keep track of important assignments and due dates. Before the semester starts, set aside some time to sit down with your planner and syllabi. Most professors post their course outline and schedules before the semester starts and stick to those dates.
Studies have shown that physically writing something down helps your brain to remember it. So, even if you don’t always refer back to your planner, you will be less likely to forget an important assignment. Here‘s my favorite planner, you can get it on Amazon!
Make a Schedule... and Stick to It
There is no one-size-fits-all study schedule. I have friends that make sure to get all of their work done during the week so they can completely relax on Saturday and Sunday. Others who try to study in between morning classes to keep their evenings free. As a night owl, I prefer to get my schoolwork done at my desk when its peaceful and quiet at night.
Figure out when you are the most productive and plan to study then. Getting into a habit of this early on in college can help avoid procrastination.
How to Keep your Dorm/Apartment Organized
Everything Has A Place
Every single thing. When you move in, make sure everything you bring with you can be put somewhere. Every throw blanket, backpack, hat, candle, first aid kit needs to have its own place. You can‘t expect to stay organized when you have a pile of miscellaneous things in the corner of your room. Trust me, the pile only grows.
Love the Way your Space Looks When it’s Clean
Spend a little extra time and energy into planning and decorating your room. Make sure its a space that you love. If you don’t really prefer your room clean compared to when its messy, you‘re never going to be motivated to keep it organized.
Make your Bed Every Morning
This sounds excessive, but think about it. Picture a bedroom full of clutter and dirty clothes. Now in that same room, add a perfectly-made bed. Seems strange right? Something just seems off and you‘re almost compelled to want to organize the rest of the room.
Spending 90 seconds every morning making your bed will help you want to keep your entire room clean.
Get More Storage Than you Think
During college, you‘re going to accumulate a lot of stuff. From textbooks to tshirts, you’re going to end up with a lot more than you start with. So, make sure you have extra space in your closet or dresser to accommodate these new items. Because remember, everything needs a place.