10 tips for getting organized in college

Entering college for the first time can be daunting. Freshman year can be stressful with what feels like a million new people to meet, a bunch of clubs wanting you to join, and tons of homework that needs to get done. Without a plan, you can easily fall behind. So, from your friends at PHC, here are 10 helpful tips to keep you organized and able to enjoy your college years!

1. Use a planning calendar

Start by writing down major assignments, working backward to include weekly homework. Even a general outline lets you see everything and helps you decide whether to go on that late-night McDonald’s run.

2. Plan for chipping away at the big assignments

It doesn't help you to know there’s a big assignment only to do nothing about it! It helps to write down certain days you plan to use to prepare for big papers or exams, so that it doesn't all pile up at the end.

3. Take each week individually 

Stop for about 15 minutes before the start of the new week to reassess or readjust plans. Just because you wrote it down doesn't mean it was the most optimized schedule. 

4. Undercommit rather than overcommit

It’s much easier to add extracurriculars later than having to back out of commitments because you underestimated your workload.

5. Group study sessions

While being in groups can be distracting for some, many are encouraged to stay on track by being around other friends who are also doing homework.

6. Study in coffee shops

If you’re not a big people person, coffee shops give you a break from the hustle and bustle of regular college life, allowing you to really lock in for that upcoming essay.

7. Plan out study breaks

Taking breaks is crucial to your learning and performance. You are not a machine; God created us for rest sometimes! Planned study breaks also help you manage how long you spend away.

8. Write down extracurricular commitments

Whether it’s project meetings or simply a fun activity, write down everything to free up memory space.

9. Learn how you learn

Just because a study method works for someone else doesn't mean it also works for you! Adjust your study times and lengths to whatever will help you learn best.

10. Schedule self-care

There’s more to college life than homework and assignments. Plan times to go shopping, do your laundry, and take care of yourself.

 Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.