13 tips to organize yourself better during university

Entering university can be daunting for many students because college life is fast-paced and the overwhelming pressure of having to do well can sometimes make it difficult to keep up with the demands. The organization, therefore, is a key skill that one must develop for their success in college. Below are a few tips to ensure high rewards in your academic life. By staying organized during classes, you will submit your assignments on time while also maintaining a well-rounded social life. This article contains 13 tips to improve your organizing skills during university and to improve productivity.

Here are some tips for organizing yourself better during university

Why staying organized is important?

Being organized is not only important for academic performance but also uplifts your mood. With over 80% of students experiencing stress during university life, it becomes eminent to master the art of organization. Creating schedules and staying organized can help mitigate stress levels because it allows you to allocate time for activities that you enjoy.

1. Having your class schedule at hand

Printing a copy of your class schedule and putting it up in your room will help ensure you do not miss any classes and be organized before the college semester starts. Even saving it on your phone can further ensure you do not skip any classes by accident. A great method to do this would be download a class schedule up such as the ‘Class timetable’ application on IOS or the ‘School Planner’ application on android.

2. Planning your day the night before

Spend around 10-15 minutes planning out your tasks for the college day ahead and organize write them down on a To-Do list. Make sure you schedule your tasks by the hour, in order of priority. This will not only help you save time but also save you from worrying over unfinished tasks. It will also ensure that you will only be left with low priority tasks that you can always move to the next day.

A great app that can sync your schedule to all the devices you are using is ‘Todoist.’ Also remember to charge your phone and laptop every night. This will help save time when you are juggling multiple lectures and avoid any embarrassment that may come from forgetting your charger.

3. Learning to say no

Although socializing is important to relieve stress, saying yes to every invite will make you lose sight of your long-term goals. While it is great to take out time for outings with friends, you should always schedule some me-time during the week. This could involve painting, outdoor activities, cooking, or even just meditating to relieve all that piled up stress.

4. Creating spreadsheets of important internship deadlines

Through creating a spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, you will be able to plan ahead for applications and avoid making any last-minute submissions. Furthermore, since each organization has different application requirements it is better to have checklists of the documentation organized beforehand that each internship will require.

5. Having a monthly budget

By observing your financial spending and setting saving goals from the start of your college life, you will be less concerned about money while also saving up in case you need it. Whether you are financially supported by your parents or a guardian, or employed, note down the exact amount you receive during one semester. Then divide this number by the duration of your semester to get an idea on how much you spend each month and plan accordingly. Some great applications that can help you keep your budget and spending in check are Money Brilliant and Wally.

6. Buying separate folders or binders for classes

Adopting this practice will make it easier to find specific documentation for each class, keeping up with deadlines and archiving notes for future reference. You will save time looking for handouts and information, leaving more room for enjoying the college experience by staying organized. Although everyone has their personal preferences, most people find it easier to print out notes and handouts, so it is always a good idea to invest in a printer at the start of your semester. Doing this will also help you avoid procrastination and watching Netflix every time you open your laptop to look at notes.

7. Planning for further studies

If you are in your senior year currently and plan on applying for graduate and post graduate programs, now would be a good time to start looking at application deadlines. Furthermore, if you are thinking of applying for scholarships, it would be good to start making a checklist of test scores and documents that are required and ensuring they up to date as well. Opportunities Circle has a variety of college scholarships available and the best part is that you can organize and filter them as per your requirements.

8. Checking emails regularly

In this day and age, when the primary form of communication used by employers and faculty is email, prompt responsiveness can be a key factor in developing meaningful professional relationships. If you have a habit of waiting too long to reply to emails, an employer or professor may perceive it as non-serious towards the position in question. Hence read your emails first thing in the morning and make drafts if you cannot figure out the appropriate responses just yet and organize them in folders like college, work etc.

9. Incorporating exercise into your routine

Working out regularly can improve your cognitive thinking abilities and can lead to sharper memory which helps retain information – an essential skill for good academic performance. Depending on your preference, running, going for walks in a nearby park, or working out at the gym can be integrated into your daily lifestyle. Exercise is also known to have stress-busting benefits, and college life can be very stressful – to say the least.

10. Avoiding eating out

As a university student, you may be tempted to order takeout because it is convenient, and you do not have to wash the cutlery and dishes. However, studies have shown that this leads to obesity and increased stress. Maintaining healthy eating habits and limiting your fast food intake to once a week can reduce the risk of health-related complications in the long run.

11. Building your LinkedIn profile

In the digital age, students should start working on their LinkedIn profile to have a professional online presence. Linkedin provides you with access to job openings, internships, and volunteering positions. The website also allows you to connect with individuals in your field. You can also show your credentials, post about academic updates, and interact with potential employers and industry experts relevant to your field.

12. Staying in contact with your university’s career services team

Using your university’s resources will help you get started towards landing your dream job. Either through networking events or CV/resume writing workshops, you will be able to acclimatize yourself with the professional world. If your university does not provide such resources, websites like CV Checker and Resume Worded can be used to provide obtain free feedback on your resume.

13. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep

Prior research has shown that a lack of proper sleep can cause your brain to start eating itself. This will not only make you extremely unproductive and unorganized but will also result in you taking naps during the day, when you should be working and taking college classes. Make sure your bed is designated for sleeping only and not for watching Netflix and studying. Remember, productivity starts with getting your mind and body rested. So, by getting enough sleep you will be able to accomplish your short-term goals.

Make the aforementioned practices a regular part of your lifestyle and you will be able to succeed in the journey towards becoming your becoming more organized in your college and personal life. By staying organized during college you will be belter able to meet stringent deadlines while also having time for yourself. College is a stressful time but by staying organized and being keeping your mental health in check you will be able to cope with it. Good luck!