15 Tips to Keep You Organized During College This School Year

Nicolette Muro

6 years ago

When a new college school year starts it always takes time to adjust. Each semester brings a change of courses with new students and professors. These college classes are either electives or requirements that count toward your major, and it’s easy to fall behind with schoolwork if it’s not managed from the start. Starting the year organized is the best approach to ace all of your classes. If you begin the semester with a clear head and organized supplies and assignments, you’re preparing yourself for success. From supplies to the best approaches of a student, here are 15 tips to keep you organized during college this school year.

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1. Buy a Planner

If you’re anything like me, then you’ve been using a planner since middle school. Planners are the most efficient piece of school supplies you can purchase for yourself. During the year, I track all of my assignments, classes, and extracurricular activities by using my planner. Most planners come with other useful tools like a notes section, a list of holidays, or stickers for bookmarking special events.

2. Use a Separate Notebook for Every Class

I find that purchasing and using a separate notebook for all of my classes keeps me very organized. This way, all of my notes for the course are together in one place, and I don’t have to go searching through various binders or other notebooks for the materials I need. If you have the choice between binders or notebooks I recommend notebooks because you take a lot of notes in college courses.

3. Use Separate Folders

Make sure to have folders for every course. I keep all of my relevant information for each class together. I had plenty of friends who just used one folder or a binder, but I think it’s much easier to have separate ones to identify the class and materials.

4. Keep Your Desk Clean

I didn’t do much of my homework in my dorm room, but when I did, I appreciated having a clean desk. I kept all of my books and school supplies in the drawers of my desk. I use a pencil case to keep my writing utensils together desk organizers, so my desk is clean. Not only did this improve the appearance of my room, but it improved the capability to find items much easier.

5. Highlight

I may have a slight obsession with colored highlighters. During my classes, I highlighted information I found important during lectures, so it stood out while I’m studying, and I can easily find it. Highlighters are also helpful when identifying multiple types of facts during a lecture that need to be separated.

6. Keep Your Laptop Organized

Keeping your laptop clean is just as important as having a mess-free desk. Laptops scattered with various photos and files are overwhelming and difficult to use. I try and delete any of the files I no longer need or transfer the important files to my folders for safekeeping.

7. Buy an External Harddrive

I can’t stress enough how important it is to have an external hard drive to back up your work. Last year, my old laptop crashed two weeks before finals in December, and I was in a panic until I was able to back up all of my information on my external hard drive. An external hard drive is also helpful when storing old files you don’t necessarily need at the moment but may want to hold onto for future reference.

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8. Use a Backpack

I saw a lot of students carrying around handbags or totes instead of backpacks during college. However, I find that a backpack is the best approach. Backpacks are sturdier and can fit more items inside of them to bring to class. They also have various compartments for storing items so you can keep the items you need for each class together in one place.

9. Use a Calendar

Even though I had a planner, I used a giant desk calendar too. Giant desk calendars are another useful way to keep track of assignments and events, and it is portrayed right in front of you. Since I often looked at my desk, I never missed any of the information I kept on my calendar.

10. Use Sticky Notes

I also found that sticky notes can be helpful reminders. If you have a pressing deadline for an assignment or a meeting coming up, it doesn’t hurt to write yourself an additional reminder and stick it to your desk, wall, or even inside your planner. This is another important life hack. I can’t relay enough how important this tip is.

11. Color Code

Color-coding information and supplies will keep it well-organized, and you’ll be able to remember what each color means much easier. All of your supplies will be the same color, and it will be easy to grab and go to class with the right items.

12. Start Assignments Early

I get stressed once assignments start piling up, so I like to get a head start on my work as soon as possible. Take advantage of free time or nights when you have less work to do because you will be thankful that you chose to work ahead after several others are assigned and due on the same day.

13. Use Index Cards

I study best after taking down the information and repeating it, either verbally or by rewriting it. Index cards allow you to organize categories of information you may need to memorize for tests or quizzes, but they are fun to make. They’re portable and can be color-coded by subject or chapter. If you choose to use index cards for tests and quizzes throughout the semester, you can reuse them for midterms and finals!

14. Utilize Academic Centers

In my college, there were several academic centers you could visit for extra help. For example, I had a writing center where you could get your papers read over or get help starting an essay and a math center where someone would assist you with your Stats homework. If you’re falling behind or want to stay ahead of the game, you should take full advantage of any academic resources offered at your college or university.

15. Visit your Advisor

My advisor knew me very because I visited him in his office when I had questions regarding assignments or courses to take. Advisors are an additional academic resource offered to students to help them succeed during academic studies. If you’re searching for academic help, your advisor is the person to speak to.

Thanks so much for reading, and good luck with a new school year!