To paraphrase Twitter user @chelss_: “November is stressful, like it’s suddenly freezing and you have 35 different deadlines due within 3 weeks and everyone is panicking and it’s dark all the time.”
As Semester 1 comes to an end, I find myself relating to this tweet more and more. Exams are approaching, assignments are due very soon, and the library is becoming fuller every day. It feels like only yesterday it was Week 1 and we had all the freedom in the world. However, the end of the semester doesn’t have to be scary. Staying organised is the best way to sail through assignments and exams, and who better to write about organisation than the Queen of Lists™ (my unofficial title)?
I strongly believe that organisation is the key to success. There are so many ways that people like to keep on top of things, so I am going to make a brief list of ways to be organised coming up to the end of Semester 1.
One of the most important things a student can do to organise themselves is making a To-Do list. I make To-Do lists religiously at the start of each week. Arranging your list by module is the easiest way to focus on what work needs to be done. Under each module, write down the tasks that need to be completed that week. On a new page (because separating your To-Do lists is important), write down any assignments you have, along with their due dates. I find that physically writing down what needs to be done motivates me to complete my goals, and equally alleviates the fear of forgetting to do something. Crossing items off a list is always satisfying, so I like to stick to a policy; if it’s written down, get it done.
Exams are closer than we think, so now is the perfect time to create a study timetable. I’m trying my best to make it sound like studying isn’t the opposite of what we want to be doing during the Christmas holidays, so bear with me. Unfortunately, it’s time to start looking up exam papers and narrowing down subjects to focus on. On the bright side, once you do that, you’re one step closer to being exam-confident.
Another thing that helps is having clean surroundings. It sounds stupid, but making sure your desk is decluttered before beginning your essays, assignments, or studying works wonders. Keep things minimal; you don’t need every item of stationery you own sitting on your desk at once. Put things away, and working will become a lot easier. A clear desk equals a clear mind.
Yes, college work can be awful. Sometimes I stress myself out with the amount of work I take on. However, staying organised coming up to exam season is the best way to succeed, collect your thoughts, and diminish stress. Motivate yourself to achieve the goals you set each week and you’ll be flying. And most of all, don’t leave it all until the last minute!
Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash