By Evelynn Schoenthal
For half of the current students on campus, this is their first semester in-person. Despite frequent changes and an unpredictable world, college students have persevered and adapted. However, students have forgotten how to learn, study, and take exams in person over the past year and a half. (P.S. I know I constantly find myself asking if I am even built for this).
Fast forward, and it is already seven weeks into the semester and midterms are well underway. With the lack of familiarity with in-person learning, I have compiled some of my favorite ways to stay organized as exams and papers pile up!
1. Get a Calendar
The most helpful tool to organize your life is a calendar. Visually, it allows you to see the month ahead. Write out any events, quizzes, tests, or due dates on the calendar. I find it really helpful to color-code each class and activity so I know which is referring to which. It is an easy way to get an idea of what you will have to do for the next month.
2. Make a To-Do List
I cannot advocate for to-do lists enough. Create a weekly and daily one. Crossing off each task sparks dopamine in my brain like nothing else. You can rank each task based on priority, so if you don’t get to everything that day, it’s okay! Just write it down for the next day and rank it higher.
3. Print a Weekly Planner
This may just be helpful for wicked type-A people like me, but I like to print a page with thirty-minute intervals each day. I’ll color in prior commitments like class or work, take into account my tasks for the week, and mark off specific times to do things. Taking this holistic approach to planning helps you see how much you really accomplished. (Plus, it gives you a good excuse to relax by coloring).
4. Prioritize Self-Care
Although not a way to stay organized, the only way to ensure top-tier organization is to also take care of yourself mentally and physically. Make time to do what makes you happy whether it be watching Netflix, hanging out with friends, or going to the gym. Forgetting to take care of yourself because midterms are happening is no excuse. If you exhaust your body everything around you will eventually falter.
5. Ten Minutes to Tidy
During times of immense stress, we often let our surrounding environment fill up with stuff and clutter. Taking just ten minutes before you go to bed to wash dirty dishes, wipe down the bathroom, or take out the trash will help you stay focused and rejuvenated. A dirty environment distracts from the task at hand, acing your midterms! Rather than let things pile up, keep it from getting too messy.
With these tactics, you will find yourself much more organized and less stressed during midterms. Remember, don’t let your academics get in the way of your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing!
