Staying organized is hard, especially when you go into a semester with no plan and no way of keeping your to-do list organized. Whether you’ve tried it all and still can’t find what works for you, or you’re just looking for a better way to stay on top of everything, finding an organizational system that fits your lifestyle can make a big difference.
Between classes, schoolwork, student organizations, work, social plans, and time for yourself, it can feel like there’s always something that needs to get done. The key is finding a method that works for you, instead of forcing a one that doesn’t.
Here are some ways Ohio State students are staying organized this fall semester.
online Calendar
Using an online calendar such as Apple or Google Calendar has been a life changer as a busy college student. Having a calendar makes it easy to quickly check your schedule while you’re on the go and see what you have coming up.
The Ohio State App also has a feature that allows you to add your class schedule directly into your calendar, so you don’t have to manually enter every class yourself (something I have definitely fallen victim to). It gives you the exact time and location of your classes, which can be especially helpful during the first few weeks of the semester when you’re still getting used to your schedule.
Another way I utilize my online calendar is by adding smaller tasks or things I want to accomplish throughout the day. Instead of only putting classes and meetings on my calendar, I can add things like “go to the gym,” “do laundry,” or “read.” This helps me visualize how much time I actually have during the day and make sure I am carving out time to relax.
You can also organize different types of events into separate calendars. For example, you could have one calendar for classes, one for work, one for social events and one for personal tasks. Each calendar can be color-coded, making it easier to read your schedule and know what’s going on.
Physical Planner
If you are like me and need to physically write something down for it to stay in your mind, finding a physical planner that you like may be a great option.
Planners come in so many different formats. There are weekly planners, daily planners, pocket-sized planners, and ones specifically designed for students. Some include space for assignments, while others give you more room to plan each day.
Writing your schedule down can also make your to-do list feel more manageable. Instead of having everything in your head, you can put it on paper and physically check things off as you complete them.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with how you use your planner. Some students prefer to write down every assignment, while others use it only for bigger deadlines. Find what works for you!
Assignment Trackers
While taking multiple classes that assign work at different times, it can be easy for a due date to slip your mind.
Consolidating your assignments allows you to see everything you need to get done and prioritize from there. This could be as simple as a list in your notes app or a spreadsheet with columns for the class, assignment, due date, and completion status.
You can also break larger assignments into smaller tasks. Instead of writing “finish research paper,” you could write “choose topic,” “find sources,” or “write outline.” Breaking an assignment into these smaller steps can make it feel less overwhelming and easier to start.
Note-taking
From Google Docs, to Goodnotes, to Notability, to handwriting notes, you will see so many different ways students take and organize their notes.
There is never one “right” way to take notes. Some students prefer typing because they can keep up with lectures quickly, while others find that physically writing information down helps them remember it better.
Keeping your notes organized is just as important as taking them. If you keep them online, consider creating folders for each class and naming documents clearly so you aren’t searching through dozens of files before an exam. Keep them by date, chapter, or module so you know exactly what needs to be reviewed.
Whatever method you choose, the goal is to make your notes easy to find when you actually need them.
Find your study techniques
Being organized isn’t just about knowing what you have to do – it’s also about figuring out how you work most efficiently.
One popular study method among students is the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set amount of time, usually 25 minutes, followed by a short break. After several rounds, you take a longer break. This method can be helpful if you have trouble sitting down and focusing on one assignment for a long period of time.
Other students may prefer studying in longer blocks, using flashcards, studying with friends, or working in a specific location on campus.
Don’t overcomplicate it
Organization doesn’t have to mean having a perfectly color-coded calendar, an elaborate planner, and a 20-step morning routine. Sometimes the best system is the simplest one. If a basic to-do list in your phone keeps you on track, use it. If writing everything down in a planner works better, stick with that.
Your college schedule is constantly changing, so your organization system should be flexible enough to change with it. The goal is to find one that helps you feel less overwhelmed and more prepared for whatever the semester throws at you.