January is the month of examinations and also the time after the holidays. If you’re like me, it always takes me a while to get back into the groove after a break, almost as if I have forgotten how to be a student. When there is so much to do in such little time, being efficient is imperative. Being organised is not only important for this month, but for your entire student life in general. Planning ahead of time never hurts, and ensures that when deadlines are near, you feel considerably less stressed and burdened.

Below are some organisation tips that I think come in handy for any student.

There aren’t that many and they are not difficult at all, so give them a try!

  1. Organise your work space and notes
    This might seem obvious, and to some it may be unnecessary, but I tend to work a lot better if I know where things are and I can easily access them - like my notes, pens and snacks. I think a neat work space also pushes you to be more productive and reduces stress levels.
  2. Schedule
    Have a large calendar or a schedule put up in front of you in a space where you can always see. This will help you have a clear timeline and it will also give you an idea about how much time you have left to revise / write your assignments.
  3. Create Checklists
    Having a checklist is a great way to develop positive reinforcement. If you’re like me, and tend to lose focus after a few hours, have goals to achieve before your next break and divide your time that way.
  4. Plan your chores
    This is easy to forget, as many of us whilst writing assignments or studying tend to live on takeout food and have their laundry pile up for weeks. But chores actually are a nice break to get away from the books and getting them done will reduce stress levels. Listening to your favourite music whilst washing or cooking, or simply having a fresh set of pyjamas to go to bed in can uplift mood and help you work better later on. Making your chores a part of your schedule ensures you get around to doing them.
  5. Create a Buddy System
    Pick a friend who has a similar deadline to you, and set your goals together. Meet up for a few hours a week, and have a discussion about where the other person is at with their work and also calm each other down if they are stressing about it. This especially helps if you are a person who feels better after ranting or simply thinking out aloud.
  6. Have a sleep schedule
    Having a healthy sleep schedule, going to bed around the same time every day and waking up around the same time every day, will boost your mental energy and also help avoid stress. There is a sense of routine and your body feels well rested. Just because, it is the month of examinations, your health shouldn’t be put on the back burner. A healthy body often leads to a healthy mind.

All of these tips are not exhaustive. There are hundreds more, but the best way to go about it is to do what works for you personally. Each person is different but being organised is beneficial to everyone and will definitely boost productivity. Try them out and modify them to suit your own needs. There are also various organisation apps and planners that are available online which could also help.

Anagha

Hello everyone, I am Anagha Kannan, hailing from Mumbai in India. I currently study an MA in Public Relations and Strategic Communications. I enjoy reading, writing and music. Apart from that, you can find me wherever the coffee and food is at!

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