7 organizational tips for college students

Everyone has their own preference when it comes to staying organized. Keep track of what you need to accomplish with a calendar, planner or to-do list.

Desk or wall calendars are ideal for big-picture planning. Add important dates and deadlines as soon as you hear about them, and utilize a color-coding system for different categories and importance levels. For the more digitally-minded, use a smartphone calendar app, and set reminder alarms days or hours in advance of an event.

If you already use a planner for your daily life, see if you can easily incorporate your school-related events. If not, academic planners are a solid investment. Some planners even come with additional features like stickers and color-coded tabs.

To-do lists are great, but one of the most common mistakes people make when using them is being overly optimistic. Avoid additional stress by keeping your list realistic and allocating enough time for breaks.

Living and working spaces have the ability to affect our mental health and productivity levels. Take a few minutes and return items to their proper place each day after every use. If possible, leave the more time-consuming chores for school-free days.

To keep your routine running smoothly, set aside a day and a time (Sundays usually work great) to go through your pending tasks, update your calendar, check your goals and create a plan of action for the upcoming week.

First and foremost, you're not a robot. Things aren’t always going to go according to plan, and that’s OK. Instead of wasting time panicking, focus on finding an alternative solution. Avoid over-scheduling and leave some wiggle room between tasks.

Make sure to pay attention to your internal clock and energy levels. Don’t schedule a workout early in the morning if you struggle to wake up, and don’t plan a serious study session at night if you know you’re going to just fall asleep.

There’s no point in making big plans and color-coding your calendar if you’re not going to follow through. There will be times when you’ll want to procrastinate on a task, but your future self will thank you for not succumbing to the exhaustion of the moment.

Getting adequate sleep and eating healthy on a student budget can be very difficult in college. However, they’re both very important factors in keeping your mind and body fueled so you can tackle whatever comes your way. Don’t subsist on pizza alone. Try and throw some fruits and vegetables into the mix.

Self-care is usually an afterthought for many college students, but it’s extremely important. Incorporating activities like yoga, meditation or breathing exercises into your routine will help keep your stress levels down.

You might have been one of those kids who barely took notes and somehow did OK in high school, but that’s not going to work in college. Organize your notes meticulously, so you're not scrambling the night before finals.

If you notice your energy levels fluctuating, it might be a sign that your routine isn’t working. Good routines are supposed to make your life easier, not more stressful. People change, especially in college. A routine that worked well during your freshman year might need some tweaking by the time sophomore year rolls around.

You’re the one who sets the rules, so experiment with new organizational methods when you feel they may help. Above everything, don’t try to force a routine that is no longer working.

Academic Student Planner Simplified by Emily Ley: available at Amazon

This academic planner has style and plenty of functionality. It includes weekly overviews and self-reflection sections for long-term planning. Stickers, monthly tabs and bleed-resistant pages will keep your schedule looking tidy and bright. 

Clever Fox Planner: available at Amazon

An all-encompassing planner designed to help you stay productive. In addition to the traditional planner pages, it also comes with sections for rituals, goals, expenses and vision boards. There is also an interior pocket for storing writing utensils and the included stickers. 

Sweetzer & Orange Wall Calendar: available at Amazon

This floral-themed calendar will look lovely on your wall while helping you meet your deadlines. Use the side panel for any additional notes or to-do lists. 

Cactus Desk Calendar: available at Amazon

If you prefer a desk calendar, this is a good choice, especially if you love house plants. This succulent-themed option features matte cardstock pages and an additional section for notes.

Colorful Chalk Dry Erase Chore Chart: available at Amazon

If you live with a couple of roommates, a chore chart is a great tool. This magnetic board comes with a magnetic marker that has an eraser cap. While this chart is marketed toward children, the format will definitely work for a college dorm environment.

Officeline Ultra-Slim Magnetic Dry Erase Board: available at Amazon

Whiteboards aren’t just for college professors. Use this dry erase board to leave a note for your roommate, write an inspirational quote or jot down some important notes while studying. Three magnets, an eraser, a pen tray and a pen are all included.

Honey-Can-Do Rolling Storage Cart and Organizer: available at Amazon

Multiple storage solutions are a must for college students. This storage cart features eight small drawers and four large drawers. The flat top and locking wheels allow it to be used as an additional workspace. 

Knock Knock Mental Note Sticky Notes: available at Amazon

During an intense study session, you might have things pop into your head that you won’t be able to address right away. Use these silly sticky notes for those moments to keep you from getting too distracted.

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Ivonne Spinoza is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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