If life is a game, then academics are a real challenge. With a hectic syllabus on one side and lengthy assignments on the other, you may wonder about ways to keep yourself on track.
This article outlines 6 useful tips you should follow to stay organized in college. Whether you’re just beginning your semester, or preparing for finals, utilizing these tactics will significantly boost your performance.
Table of Contents
Interpret the Syllabus
The syllabus is the very first thing you should be acquainted with. The length and complexity of your syllabus together define the amount of effort to put in.
Deeply examine its content and mark the important chapters. Note down the complex and lengthy topics that will require extra time. To stay on track, you can also carry a printout of the syllabus in your bag, or paste it in front of your study area.
After that, analyze a good starting point to begin with it. If you’re not sure, start with the current lesson going on in your lectures. Browsing through the topics before they’re taught gives you a good headstart.
Plan Ahead of Time
Doing things a day before the due date may be thrilling, but it is not something that always results in good. Plan out every task you need to complete ahead of time. Divide the course into long-term and short-term activities, such as assigning a chapter to a week and a topic to a day.
Use a planner, physical or digital, to write down all the key events. It should include everything from your project deadlines and appointments to personal events and meetings. You can also utilize digital apps like Todoist and Notion or the ‘do my assignment online’ services.
Form a to-do list for each week, or if possible, for each day. A calendar can be a good alternative, but given the lack of space, it is not appropriate for detailed descriptions.
Organize Your Materials
Imagine not finding your highlighter while making notes, or misplacing the protractor while doing geometry. Therefore, maintaining a clean outlook is necessary, both for you and your workspace.
Scientific surveys have proven that working in the middle of an unorganized pile of materials makes you less productive. Instead, get an accordion folder to keep all your study materials and notes in one place.
Quick TipYou can also save a digital copy of all your materials and store it on multiple devices. This makes them more portable and easily accessible.
Besides that, you can also use a stationary holder to form separate collections of pens, pencils, markers, and highlighters. Use a different box to arrange tools like multi-sized rules, set squares, etc.
Improve Note-Taking Skills
Making notes is just as important of a skill as reading. The quicker and more accurate you are, the easier it gets to recall any lecture. Plus, they prove to be quite beneficial during revision times. To make quality notes, keep in mind the below tips:
- Use multiple headings and subeadings to denote a concept and idea.
- Always move to the next line for a different point.
- Underline or highlight important phrases and keywords, such as the scientific name of an element.
- Keep your content precise and to the point.
- Prefer using phrases instead of long sentences.
- Use abbreviations of long words wherever necessary.
- Use diagrams, flowcharts, and tables wherever possible.
A rule in note-making is never, I repeat, never be greedy for space and pages. Keep sufficient gaps between topics and concepts. Use a new page when starting with a new heading.
Create a Realistic Schedule
An acceptable timetable is much better than a schedule that makes you grimace. Thus, always be realistic and assess your actual potential while planning your activities at the start.
Split the tasks into different time segments of the day. For instance, you can assign individual hours for recalling lectures and studying independently.
Try to set your study hours at the same time each day. Eventually, your body and mind will begin to adjust to this routine, resulting in increased productivity.
However, one thing to note is to take regular breaks. Periodic pauses give your brain a chance to relax and recharge, allowing you to focus on tasks with renowned energy. Moreover, it is a great way to cope with mental pressure of college exams.
Utilize Your Most Productive Times
While creating a schedule is essential, so is sticking to the said schedule. For that, it is a must to minimize distractions and keep yourself focused.
Analyze the hours in which you’re most productive with your work. Some people prefer to study in the freshness of early morning, while some prefer the silence of the midnight. Whichever it be, utilize this time by focusing on critical topics that require extra attention.
However, always avoid being multitasking. Focusing on multiple activities at once reduces the overall output of your effort. Choose to achieve one goal at a time.
Folding Up the Pages!
Reaching the end, you’ve become aware of the dos and don’ts while preparing for academics. Keep these strategies at your fingertips to utilize them in the best possible manner.
However, the best tactic is to learn from your mistakes. Always take time to analyze your own performance, and look out for the weak points. Realize the errors you made and reflect on them.
Lastly, don’t hurry, take things slow and you will undoubtedly achieve your goals.
Sources:-
How to stay organized in college? by Bau.edu10 Tips to Stay Organized in College by Pacific college
