With just a few days left until the semester starts up, I’ve been spending a lot of time getting my things together and preparing for the big day! A huge chunk of that prep includes getting organized, which can seem like a pretty big task when you have a mind full of questions, a room full of dorm supplies, and a to-do list that takes up three pages. Here are some tips to help you push through that chaos and get organized for college!
Set Up Your Planner
This is always one of my favorite things to do, because I’m kind of in love with planners. This year I bought myself an Erin Condren life planner, and I absolutely love it! But a planner isn’t effective if you don’t use it, so taking the time to set it up is the first step to getting organized. You’ll feel so much better once you have your schedule written down, and you’ll have something to look back at when you get to class and are given a syllabus with a page full of important dates!
Make A “Last Minute” List
You know all those things you were supposed to do during the summer but “forgot” about? They’re probably the things you’re freaking out about now because you have three or so days to get them done. I can’t give you any tips on making time slow down, but one thing that always helps me in stressful situations is making a list! Write down all those tedious tasks so you’ll have a better idea of what’s left, and when they’re all crossed off, reward yourself! I’m thinking a trip to Starbucks?
Come Up With A Daily Routine
Your class schedule will be running your life for the next few months, so coming up with a different routine for each day is your best bet. Maybe you have a long break between classes on Tuesdays that you can use for an exercise class, or if your classes start late on Fridays, you can make that laundry day. Make the most of any free time you have! Of course, don’t block up every free minute you have with a task. You need some “me time” too!
Freshen Up Your Digital Life
By the end of the summer, my computer is always cluttered with old files and tons of things I don’t need. Set aside some time to go through your computer and organize things, because even though it’s not a physical mess, it’s still something that will drive you crazy when you’re looking for that one project file in the midst of a million downloads you haven’t touched in two years. Be sure to make well-labeled folders so you know exactly where everything is. It’ll save you a ton of time in the future.
Write Down Your Goals For The Semester
You want to make the most of the time you spend in school, so making a list of your goals will help you in the long run! Come up with a variety of academic and personal goals, but don’t forget to add in a few fun ones! Remember, this list isn’t set in stone, because you’ll be coming up with new ideas all semester long. Leave room for changes, but also strive to achieve as many of them as you can!