Organization is a key part of how I am able to stay on top of all of my assignments, exams and tests. Since we’re more than halfway through the semester, now is a perfect time to reset and get back on track. To keep myself organized, I use a lot of websites and apps that help me manage my time. So why not share my favourite platforms and studying techniques that have changed the way I work!
Notion
Notion is definitely my favourite platform to keep myself organized. I have a deep obsession with Notion and I love how customizable it is. I mainly use Notion as an online planner since I found that paper planners never have enough space for me to write everything out. With Notion, I am able to write out my daily to do lists and create different sections to divide up my school work from my other work.
Notion is certainly confusing at first glance, but it gets easier the more you use it! I have taught many people how to use the platform and while it does have a learning curve, you will get the hang of it.
To start, I would recommend finding a free online template to use as your foundation, at least until you have the time and energy to customize your own template. There are plenty of free, customizable templates for Notion. I would suggest going on youtube, typing in “Notion free template” and scrolling until you find someone’s template you like. They will typically provide a link to their Notion and then you are able to duplicate it and start customizing it to your own preferences!
I also used the following youtube videos to teach myself how to use Notion, as these individuals explain how to use it much better than I ever could! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8T_qrsTWnyk&t=279s&ab_channel=MichelleKanemitsu
Here are some of my favourite free templates by Gridfiti (if you don’t want to go searching through youtube): https://gridfiti.com/free-notion-templates/
The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique absolutely saved me during my first year of university. The Pomodoro technique uses a timer to break work into shorter periods, typically 25 minutes of work, followed by a short break. This technique allows you to focus for a small amount of time and then rest for five minutes. I find that when I put on my timer for 25 minutes, I am able to have a visual representation of how much time I have been working for. Plus, the five minute breaks help as they limit how much time I am distracted or on my phone for.
My roommate suggested that I use the Chrome extension, “Marinara: Pomodoro Assistant.” This adds on to chrome as a little timer, showing you how much time you have left in your focus period or break period. If you click on the timer, then you are also able to adjust if it plays a sound, which I have found incredibly useful. You can also see your entire pomodoro history, allowing you to view your progress. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/marinara-pomodoro%C2%AE-assist/lojgmehidjdhhbmpjfamhpkpodfcodef?hl=en
I also use youtube channels which I find more engaging than just a timer in the corner of my screen. These help more on the days that I am unable to focus, as they can provide comfort while I work. I would recommend starting a playlist of your favourite videos that you can put on in the background. Here are some of the ones I frequently watch:
Study based websites
Although Notion and the Pomodoro technique tend to work best, I do still have some studying based websites and ambience videos that help me start my work! These websites set the vibe and help create an environment where I’m willing to open up brightspace and actually start.
One of my favourite websites is Lifeat.io, which provides a virtual space with pre-recorded broadcasts. There are many different spaces you can choose to view, but my favourite is the library space that they just added. Lifeat.io is great for when you are writing on paper or you need some ambience in the background. Be careful you don’t get distracted though! Here is the link: https://lifeat.io/?space=448
Another website I love is I Miss My Cafe, found here: https://imissmycafe.com/ and I miss my library: https://www.imissmylibrary.com/. These two websites have the same idea, providing ambience as if you were in a cafe or library. I use them when I’m studying at home and I am finding my music or youtube too distracting but I can’t work in silence.
Although I shared my own tips and tricks for staying organized in university, learning is different for everyone. What works for me may not work for you and that is absolutely okay. I hope you’re able to use at least one of my suggestions and that you’re able to feel less overwhelmed by the stress of university.