Ali Chiavetta
Features Writer

Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall; the new semester is in full swing and it’s easy to get caught up in the madness of the weeks to follow. To make sure that you’re making deadlines and attending classes, it’s time to get organized! Every person has a different interpretation of what organization means to them. For some people, the art of writing everything down is the only way that they are able to remember their to-do list; for others, a quick calendar reminder in their phone is enough.
One of the simplest ways to get organized is to become a list-maker. It’s easy to make lists on post-it notes around your room, type them into the Reminders app on the iPhone or log them into your agenda book.
Regarding the act of writing everything down, an agenda book is a perfect place to start. Agenda books can be found at most stores, ranging anywhere from $5-$20. By purchasing a tangible book rather than trying to keep everything down by memory, you are already more likely to become organized.

One of the best ways to stay organized is to write down all assignments as soon as possible, rather than waiting. Apps like “Schedule Planner,” “Pocket Schedule,” and “Work Time,” are great time savers.
One of the best ways to stay organized is to write down all assignments as soon as possible, rather than waiting. Apps like “Schedule Planner,” “Pocket Schedule,” and “Work Time,” are great time savers.

Instead of attempting to remember homework assignments in class, write them down as soon as your professor assigns them. Once an event is scheduled, log it on the calendar inside the agenda book. By getting into the habit of doing this, you will be less likely to schedule over an existing event, or worse, forget about it.
Another way to organize your life is to keep a clean work space. With the busyness of the beginning of the semester, it’s easy for your room to become cluttered. Though it may not seem like the most enjoyable way to spend your Saturday afternoon, keeping a clean and organized work space will do wonders to improve your morale, and it will make your room seem more suitable for studying.
If you are more technologically savvy, there are several organizational applications to download to your Smartphone. Planner apps like “Schedule Planner,” “Pocket Schedule” and “WorkTime,” are free to download and serve as a great digital agenda book. Though it may seem meticulous, the same goes for the digital apps: write everything down as soon as you become aware of it. Although your professors probably harp on this phrase, it is essential to adhere to: don’t procrastinate.
While it’s common to leave assignments until the last minute, doling them out over the course of the week is a surefire way to stay on top of your work. Work that is done ahead of time can clear not only your mind, but also your schedule. By taking care of assignments right after they are assigned, you leave opportunities in your schedule for relaxing and spending time with friends. While these new tactics may take some time to get used to, they will certainly help you become a more organized student.