When making the transition from high school to college, it is important to develop your organizational skills and stay organized in college. You will have your own space, whether it is a dorm or an apartment, and your professors will not remind you about assignments all the time.
Everyone has their own organization methods, but here are my favorites that kept me organized throughout my four years of college!
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1. Buy a Planner
There is a reason why I listed this one first, planners are so important! There are so many different types and styles so make sure you pick one that fits you. I started college using The Happy Planner and about half way through, switched to Plum Paper which is more customizable and fit me better!
And if digital planners and calendars work best for you, go with that! Whatever you pick, make sure you are able to stick with it.
At the beginning of each semester, get your syllabus for each class and put any important dates into your planner. I use a color code and have different colors for assignments, quizzes and exams. You don’t have to be as crazy as me and have a color code, but I do recommend making exam dates stand out either with a color or highlighter.
Then, a week before each exam, write “exam next week” in your planner so the exam date doesn’t sneak up on you. This also reminds you to start studying!
2. Use an iPad
While this may not be realistic for everyone due to finances, having an iPad has helped me out immensely with my organization. Instead of having a notebook or binder for every single class, I have all my notes in one little place that is smaller than even one notebook.
For more about how I used an iPad in college, check out this post! If you’re interested in buying an iPad, check out my Amazon Storefront! Ordering through this link will send me some med school cash at no extra cost to you!
3. Notebook/Binder For Each Class
If you don’t have an iPad, I recommend getting a notebook or binder for each class. This is what I did for my first year of college before I purchased an iPad.
Although it takes up a lot of space, keeping all your papers and notes for each class ensures that you don’t lose anything. If you go for the notebook route, get a notebook with pockets to keep any loose papers you may get in class!
4. To-Do List
Part of staying organized in college is staying on track and not falling behind. Even though everything I need to do is in my planner, I am a big fan of lists for what I need to accomplish during the day.
This makes what may seem like an overwhelming amount of assignments, seem more doable. And it also helps you plan your day out by including non-academic things you need to get done.
It is also so satisfying to cross off items on your list, am I right?!
5. Accordion File Folder
Since starting college, I all of a sudden started getting tons of important papers and paperwork to keep track of. To avoid a massive paper pile, I purchased an accordion folder and put file folders in each section with a category.
My categories are college paperwork, health paperwork, finances, apartment, medical school, manuals and misc.
This gives me a place to put important papers such as my lease and required course list for my major. Putting files in the accordion sections is handy because if you are looking for a particular piece of paper, you can take out the whole category to sift through and put it all back in the accordion folder.
6. Schedule Study Sessions
Do you ever say you are going to study and then just sit there trying to figure out what to study? Same.
This is why I started scheduling and planning out my study sessions. I start by making a list {told you I like lists!} of what I want to accomplish during that study session. It could be finishing the introduction of an essay or reading a certain chapter. Make sure they are small, realistic things you want to accomplish. For example, don’t write “write my 10 page research paper” because then you will just get frustrated if you cannot finish.
Also try to alternate subjects. It can be difficult to study one class for 3 hours straight so after studying one thing for a while, switch to another class. And don’t forget to take breaks!
7. Color Code
I mentioned above that I like to color code my planner. Color coding makes it easy to quickly glance at your planner and know what is coming up, and it makes it pretty 🙂
For my own color code, I have separate colors for exams, quizzes, study, work, volunteer, research, fun and misc. You don’t have to go this in-depth, just find what works for you!
Check out this post to learn how to color code your planner!
8. Business Card Book
Okay so this one is super nerdy and makes me feel old that I even have one! But I noticed that I had a lot of business cards that were just sitting around my desk making it cluttered.
Just like more paperwork, I was given a lot of business cards in college. They were mostly from people whom I know I wanted to keep their contact information such as medical school admissions representatives, politicians and my point of contact for my new apartment.
I got this business card book on Amazon for only $5.99.
9. Storage
College dorm rooms and apartments are small and if you are anything like me, you have a lot of stuff and it’s important to have a place to put all your stuff!
Utilize spaces like under your bed or a cute storage ottoman to keep clutter at bay. A clean and organized room helps decrease your stress and you know where all your things are!
10. Declutter
Do a big declutter every once in a while. There’s probably papers and old tissues in your backpack that don’t need to be there and you should probably pick up that pile of clothes in the corner of your room.
Clutter can catch up to even the best organizers. Doing a monthly or even semesterly declutter keeps your space clean and helps lessen your stress. Go through various piles on your desk and get rid of anything you no longer need
Staying organized in both your academics as well as your home can decrease your stress, improve your grades and prevent you from falling behind in your classes.
As always, tell me your thoughts on how to stay organized in college! Drop a comment below or message me on my Instagram @medicineandmoscato and don’t forget to share with your friends!
