With a 15-18-credit course load each semester, things on the school-front can get hairy. With so many courses- each with their fair share of assignments- to juggle, a system of organization needs to be implemented. Being on organized student will ultimately result in being a better student, for you’ll be spending more time studying and working, than trying to figure out what, where and when you need to be! Here are some organization tips to keep your studies in order.

Organize Your Time by Writing it Down!
To do this, there are three things you should use: a pocket date book, a master calendar and a To-Do List.

The pocket date book should fit the academic year, meaning it starts in August. This is the planner you will take with you to class each day; in fact, you should train yourself to feel naked without it! You will use it to record all assignments, projects and papers due. This can also include any special events that will occur, such a presentation, test or other school activity you wish to attend.

The master calendar does the exact opposite of the daily planner, as it should leave home. The master calendar, which should be in the normal month format, will serve as a backup. Write in important due dates you want to keep track of. Make sure the calendar is hung by your computer or on your door so you see it often. This way, you are always reminded of what needs to be done, and when.

Finally, the third is the to-do list. While everything on both other calendars ultimately needs to be done, a to-do list written out each morning, for each day is a prime way to ensure that everything gets checked off. Sometimes daily planners also included daily pages, so you can double up. Things to do during the day are not limited to school assignments, but also to extra-curricular activities and even personal things like doctor’s appointments and driver’s exams, etc.

Filing Method
In addition to the three calendar ideas, there is a filing method, which is another way to keep dates straight. This method does not work for everyone, but it is a worthwhile tip to share. Many adults will use a 31-day filing system for bills due. They sell file folders tabbed 1-31 for this purpose. For example, when the electric bill comes and the due date is March 3- it will be placed in the 3 folder. This can be used for school assignments. Since so often on college, assignments are given ahead of time, once they are complete, place them in the file folder for the due date. Then, on that date, retrieve the assignments from that folder. In addition to completed assignments, you can also place readings, etc. in folders that correspond to the day you want to see them again, for instance, on a day before a test you want to study for.

When used together, these three time management tools will help organize your time greatly. Here, you are able to keep track of immediate and long-term tasks.

Organize Your Time by Planning Well
It’s all good if we wrote everything down. That’s a good start. However, the time to complete the required tasks is also something that is needed. Being in college these days’ means more than just class. There are sports, jobs, clubs and social obligations that get in the way of homework sometimes. Here are some tips to better plan your time.

Balance your Time
Understanding how much time you have is the first step to figuring out what to do with it! At the start of each semester, you should be sure to know what all of your commitments are ahead of time. If you know you have a meeting twice a week for the school paper and have a work-study job ten hours per week, you may want to take fewer credits. You do not want to overextend yourself, as you may not be able to enjoy your activities and get the most of your education if you are stressed. Once you do have an idea of your course load, you can plan your semester. You may want to schedule in study and homework time around your classes and other obligations. Also, you will be able to look ahead to see when your holiday and other breaks are, when your finals are and when any special campus events are. You can put those on your master calendar.

After you take a look at the semester as a whole, you will have an idea of the big events. But, as classes progress, your daily and weekly assignments and tasks will begin to pile. You will need to factor in mealtime, travel time, activity periods and, don’t forget, time to relax and veg out! You will be writing your assignments in your date book, but having an overall glimpse of each week is a good idea.

Other Time Tips
Face it. Sometimes things just don’t go as planned. One thing to get in the habit of is to trade time, not steal it. This means that if you are unable to study at the set time, don’t just eat that time up. Replace the time you were supposed to study later. Another idea is to set up a special time to review work for any upcoming tests. This will avoid last minute cramming, as you will have reread and reviewed the material. Finally, don’t waste a 50-minute period between classes by playing on the Internet in your dorm room, or walking back to your apartment just to turn around and walk back. Instead, find a cozy spot in a lounge or the library and study, or review notes from an earlier class.

Organize by Organizing Work
Keeping notes and other coursework in an organized fashion is a great way to enhance your studying experience. For starters, something that you may have learned in middle school can still apply- color-code materials for each of your classes. This will keep everything together, and allow you to quickly reference material for a certain class. In addition to color-coding them, also write the subject and days and time of class on the front of the folder, notebook or binder. Another idea is to create a file system for all of your course materials. Set up a file folder for each course. In the folder, you can place returned tests, graded assignments, etc. This can keep the notebook or folder you bring to class neater. In fact, tearing out lecture notes you were already tested on and placing in the folder with the graded test is a great idea. Not only will your notebook always be fresh and clean, but also your materials are all well kept and will be easy to reference for any future need.

In addition to the filing system, you may want to label all of your desk drawers with the supplies that are found in them. Also, keep any old textbooks, reference books and other reading materials on a bookshelf for easy access.

Keeping your materials and workspace in order will allow for a more relaxed atmosphere to study in, and a great system for referencing back to past material.