Syllabus week is officially over. This means it’s time to settle into your classes and get organized! Don’t know where to begin? Let Her Campus Utah help! Here are five ways to get organized for the semester.
1. Choose a “theme color” for every course you’re taking.
The “theme color” will be the color you use for everything (notebooks, binders, scheduling in your planner, etc.) for a particular class. When you can visually see the color and you know it coordinates with what class, it is easier to stay focused and keep organized by always knowing what goes with what.
2. Use a planner and list every single assignment in it.
The University of Utah ASSU office carries FREE planners! Look at your syllabuses and write down every single assignment that is due throughout the semester. This will help you stay organized by always knowing what you should be working on. Don’t forget to use colored markers to coordinate with each classes color! Knowing everything that is due in a week will help you plan enough time for homework, shopping, and that date with the cute guy from chem class.
3. Get a backpack!
This is a simple step that helps so much! Lately girls are going to class with just a notebook and a purse. To be prepared and to always make sure you have the right books, binders, and pens with you, swap your purse for a backpack. Besides, having a backpack will make you feel more like a college student, which will help you stay focused and feel efficient.
4. Print out everything you’re going to need this semester.
Life gets so much busier as the semester goes on. Assignments pile up and papers start to become due all on the exact same day. The more you can prepare now, the easier it will be on you in the long run. Get a file for every class and have every reading, assignment instructions, and anything else you may need in the file so when the assignment approaches you can take out the paper and have it ready to go.
5. Use different notebooks for every class.
Use the color method for your notebook system too! This way you always know where your notes are for each class. This will keep things easy to find when you’re searching for notes during a pop quiz. Also, keep a syllabus printed out and in the front of each notebook so you can turn to it for a list of assignments, policies, class calendars, or your professors contact info when a certain situation arises.