I'm not the most organised person there ever was but I do take a strange pleasure in sitting down and filing things for hours on end, so I like to think I'm not too bad at it. I've been at university for nearly 2 months now and slowly, but surely, I've figured out ways to keep on top of not only my workload but also all the mundane little chores I never had to do before. For instance, that pile of washing in your laundry hamper? Doesn't just magically disappear and come back clean and neatly folded like when you lived at home, surprisingly!
I thought I'd share a few tips on how I keep myself organised. After spending the first few weeks here running out of vital food staples, putting off writing essays until midnight on the night before it was due in and generally being a bit all over the place, I decided to get myself sorted out. It's made schoolwork and living on my own quite a bit easier, plus it's a great excuse to buy lots of new stationery.
1. Highlighters (and pens in general)
Basically, have loads of them. You're going to need them. Have them in every colour you can possibly get your hands on and, although I know it's tempting, don't buy the cheap crap. It will only run out after a handful of uses and end up costing you more in the long run. Personally, I like to use Stabilo Boss highlighters and Bic Cristal biros, which you buy in bulk on Amazon.
2. Post-It Notes
The same rules apply as above. Have an endless supply of them that you put everywhere. I am a massive fan of writing lists: shopping lists, to-do lists, etc. I write them out and stick them all over my room and in my diary and anywhere else I will frequently see them. Having constant reminders of stuff that needs buying, tidying, writing or researching keeps me on track. They're also good for sticking on things in the fridge that you don't want anyone else to eat...
3. Notebooks and planners
Use them and use them wisely. I have a separate notebook for every class I take, just so I don't get confused, plus one for any notes and quotes I may need to write down from a book I'm reading (I'm doing English Lit so this is essential), one for anything extra-curricular - if you write for the school newspaper, like I do, for example, and various others for any notebook emergencies that may arise.
A good planner is also essential. I plumped for the Moleskine this year but as long as it's sturdy and has enough room for you to write stuff down in, any will do. Write down anywhere and everywhere you have to be and you'll, hopefully, never be late for a lecture again.
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