The Key to Organization

I’m sure everyone here at Fairfield University, found that adjusting to the workload of college is extremely tough. Coming from a small town in Connecticut, my high school’s idea of “preparing for college” consisted of completing a couple worksheets each night and an occasional test or paper due. I moved into college and even on syllabus week, I already had multiple assignments due. 

Everyone I know told me before moving into college, that “sylly week” was super easy, filled with lots of free time, and parties. So, already having multiple assignments due was a huge wake up call for me. I had to start to learn how to organize myself to make sure all of my assignments were completed on time. 

I’m here to tell you all about what worked for me!

First off, I absolutely had to have an agenda: one where I could have a weekly breakdown, as well as a monthly breakdown. On the weekly breakdown pages, this is where all of the homework assignments go. It’s easy to see and you can plan ahead. As you complete assignments, check them off! It makes you feel much more accomplished and it keeps track of what you have finished, so you don’t have to waste time going back and forth. The monthly breakdown is for all exams, quizzes, projects, and big events.

Additionally, I bought a desk calendar for the whole school year. I’m able to see my whole month at a glance. On this calendar, I put the same information as what I have on the monthly breakdown in my agenda. It’s great to have this information in two places because no one wants to forget about an exam or project.

Another HUGE thing that has helped me was to buy a folder for all of my syllabi. This is great because I have no worries of losing any of these documents. I know that they’re in my top desk drawer at every moment of the day, so if I ever have any questions about the professor's policy, I know where to go! These methods that I listed above work the best for me. They might not necessarily work for everyone, but it’s a starting place! Once you figure out the organization methods that work for you, you’re golden! In my short amount of time as a college student, I’ve realized that organization is the key to success.

Good luck!

Xoxo, Emma