Do you already feel overwhelmed during syllabus week? I have been there. The first weeks of the fall semester are some of the most hectic—finding your classes, adjusting to your new roommate, sorority recruitment, and the first of many game days can consume your time. A planner is a helpful tool to manage your time and make time for all the fun stuff college has to offer. Here are a few tips that I’ve learned to help you avoid feeling like you’re drowning.
1—Buy a planner and actually use it. Before the first week of school, I like to pull up my schedule and write in all of my classes on the days that I have them. Once you get a syllabus for a class, it is easy to fill in all the important dates. I then check the two most important online resources college students have: your school email and the online site your professors use to post homework (Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.). These are the two sites you need to check daily. I like to check prior to classes beginning also to see if teachers sent an email regarding assignments to get done for the first day or changes in textbooks. Write all due dates and exams in your planner.
2—Check your planner daily. Before starting homework, I like to look at my planner to see what I need to get done for the next day and also assignments I can get ahead on. Once an assignment is finished, cross it off! You will feel so accomplished each time you complete an assignment (or are just one hour closer to being able to binge-watch shows on Netflix). It is also a good idea to add any work shifts, social events, or appointments to keep them on your radar.
3—Make your planner fun. Use colored pens, highlighters, stickers, or washi tape. These will help highlight important due dates and make you feel like you have your life a little more together.
You do not want to be unprepared like Elle Woods on her first day of law school because you weren’t aware of an assignment. Getting a head start on your planner will help you prevent that type of humiliation (and stress)!
What are your favorite ways to stay organized during the school year? Let us know in the comments below!
