First and foremost, invest in an agenda. This doesn’t have to be huge or expensive- this is a valuable tool that you can use to remember tasks, assignments, and important dates. And if you don’t want to carry around a physical agenda, you can use an app on your phone, such as google calendar. Personally, I prefer a physical agenda just in case my phone or laptop dies or a professor doesn’t allow electronics in a classroom- but it’s up to you! Remember, this is your college experience and you are going to figure out what works or doesn’t work for you.
Second, the first week of the semester sets the tone for the months that follow. It is tempting to take it easy for ‘sylly’ week, but this sets the foundation for the semester. Print out all your syllabi, sit down, and highlight and mark them up. Pay attention to quiz and exam dates and write them in your agenda or calendar. (If you are a visual learner, it might be helpful to get a physical calendar that you can keep at your desk or in your dorm so that you can see important dates and exams for the coming weeks.) With that being said, pay attention in class, but also pay attention to the vibrant and bustling campus atmosphere around you! Stay focused on school, but don’t forget to check out the activity fairs and various events on campus during the first few weeks.
Third, make a rough schedule of your week before it begins. For example, Sunday nights I sit down at my desk and look through assignments, meetings, and tests I have for the upcoming week and write them in my agenda. I then block out times that I intend to complete my assignments or study to avoid procrastination and last minute panic. Once I have the essentials written down, I schedule in personal time. Personal time includes gym time, grabbing dinner with a friend, running to Target for essentials, watching one episode on Netflix, facetiming a friend, visiting an activity fair, laundry, or any other task that isn’t directly schoolwork. Don’t forget personal time! But also be careful of overindulging in personal time. College, and life, is about finding balance.
Fourth, once you start to get into the swing of classes, find your study place. This doesn’t have to be a quiet place in the library- it can be anywhere you feel comfortable and can be productive! Try a cafe, study rooms you can reserve in the library, lounges in your college’s building, places around the hub, or even lounges in your dorm. Find your spot, try to limit distractions, turn off your phone (or put it on do not disturb), and then get down to business. After a few times of studying in the same spot, your brain will switch to work mode and can help with focus and being productive when in that spot.
With all that being said, this is ultimately your college experience! You know yourself best, so try out some of these tips or skills, and figure out what works best. You can experiment with color coordination, agendas, or other organizational skills- but just remember to stay balanced. Don’t overwhelm yourself with trying to keep up with the aesthetic of organization (unless that’s your destressor lol), just keep to the skills that help you keep your mental sanity instead of being drowned in trying to be on top of 20 agendas, calendars, and notes.
Best of Luck!
Caterine Yunez-Cosme
Team F Envoy
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