Being in college can be stressful at times! Between juggling schoolwork, friends, work and other extracurricular activities, it can be hard to stay organized. I must admit, without my planner, I would be a mess! Writing everything down and organizing it different ways has helped me stay on task, get my work done and feel accomplished as I am able to cross things off my list along the way. I want to share some of my personal tips on how I use my planner at college to help you all stay organized and efficient as well!
My Planner
Lily Pulitzer Jumbo 17 Month Hardcover Agenda {$35.00} on Amazon Prime; Link Here
Tip 1: Color Code
I always buy a brand new set of markers or pens at the beginning of the school year that has a wide range of colors. I then designate a specific color to a specific class, work, club or personal need. This is the first step and as you get used to writing down things in a specific color, your mind will automatically resinate with what color goes with which class as you look at your to-do list.
Some example categories:
- 5 colors (one per class)
- Work
- Club (different color for each club)
- Appointments (doctor, advising, etc.)
- School Breaks (Fall Break, Holidays, etc.)
- Sorority
Colored Pens I Buy: BIC Gel city Ballpoint Pens Bold 1.6 mm. {$8.49} Link Here
*You can find them at any school supply store such as Staples, Office Depot, Target, etc.
Tip 2: Write Out Tests, Quizzes, Important Assignments Due Dates, etc.
At the beginning of each school year, you receive your class syllabus listing their tests, quizzes and major assignments. The first week of class I always write out everything from each syllabus and have them set in my planner so I am not surprised when a certain date is coming up. Writing these dates down ahead of time prevent forgetting about them when you are heavily into the school year and have a million things to remember. This will help you prepare ahead of time for these important aspects of the class.
Tip 3: Every Sunday Write Out Weekly Assignments, Weekly Meetings, Homework, etc.
After a long weekend, I tend to get organized on Sundays. Use whatever day you like; however, I like to use Sunday because it is the start of the week and the day before the beginning of the classes. I will always look over my emails to see if my teachers have any assignments throughout the week, important announcements or other details that I may want to write out the week of. This prevents me from getting overwhelmed and stressed throughout the week. I am able to sit down and plan out what day I would like to do which assignment in order to maximize my time each week.
Tip 4: Keep a To-Do List Under Designated Section
Even though I like to write everything down ahead of time, sometimes the night before I will sit down and browse over my planner and start to plan out the next day logistically. This happens the day before, because you have a better idea of what your day is going to be like the closer you get to it. The night before I will write down when I plan to eat lunch, when I would like to workout, and/or any last minute tasks I would like to achieve that day such as laundry, going to the drug store, etc.. This helps me stay organized and helps me feel accomplished when I am able to highlight items off my list.
*I use a yellow highlighter to mark out my assignments as I complete them, dates as they pass and items off my to-do list.
Tip 5: Organize Monthly Calendar
At the beginning of each month, there is a double-page that has the entire dates of each month. I sort through this at the beginning of the month in order to write down important dates such as breaks, travel, events, etc. I also include my work schedule, tests, and game days. This gives me an idea of how busy my month is going to me, how to plan around weekends I travel and make sure I am scheduling things around schoolwork.