Tips To Staying Organized

It is about that time of the semester where Purdue students' realize their workload is growing...(and growing rapidly, at that). Syllabus week is long gone, the weather seems to be getting cooler with each day, and our planners and notebooks are slowly becoming more and more full. 

No need to fret, though. With these few small tips on how to stay organized, you will have a very successful 1st semester.

#1: Use your smartphone (For things other than Instagram): While I don't encourage you to sit on your phone during classes and loose track of whats going on around you, I do propose that you take advantage of all of the apps your smart phone has to offer. Keep a running To-Do list in your "Reminders" app, and set these notes with an alarm. Use your mobile calendar to keep track of help sessions and office hours that your professors have. College students are always on their phones anyways- so why not use it for something beneficial? 

#2: Prepare the night before: Do not, I repeat, do not fall into the category of people who go to sleep saying "I'll just finish this in the morning". We all know early mornings don't have the best affect on us college students, or that sometimes the snooze button can be hit a few too many times. Always pack finished homework and necessities in your bag the night before. If you have time, make your lunch too! It will give you a few extra minutes the following morning that will make all the difference. 

#3: Utilize your Sundays: Many of us believe that Sunday should be a day of rest. With that being said, it can't hurt to use part of the day to be productive, too. Take a few minutes each Sunday to plan out your week. Write down specific daily goals, as well as general weekly goals. Be organized from the beginning of the week and watch the days unfold much more smoothly! 

#4: Take some time for yourself and recharge: This may be one of the most important tips to staying organized! We can not be fully capable of our best if we are not energized. Make sure to get plenty of sleep. Exercise. Go out with friends and enjoy yourself. All of these things truly impact your state of mind, so don't overlook them. Being a successful college student is an all-encompassing thing.

Have a great weekend, Purdue!