1, Get a diary – and use it!
You may be surprised, but keeping a diary is a really useful tool to keep organised. 2017 diaries are going pretty cheap at the moment , and if you get one small enough to carry around with you they’re a really helpful tool for organising your deadlines. You can even put warnings in 1 or 2 weeks before your work is due, to make sure you’re on track with your work.
If you don’t fancy using a paper diary, there are plenty of really useful smartphone apps out there that do the same job. Google calendar is a particular favourite of mine, as you can connect it to your emails.
- Store your lecture notes!
There is nothing worse than getting to exam season and realising you’ve lost every single one of the notes you took during the semester. Whether it’s organising your folders on your laptop, using box files, or even – if you’re like me and can’t be trusted with lose pieces of paper – using exercise books, make sure you keep track of where your lecture notes are so you can access them for those all-important exams.
- Email your tutors!
Book appointments with tutors often, whether to discuss your upcoming exams or assignments, get feedback, or to ask for help with essay ideas, tutors are paid to help you get the best grade you can. Many academics here at Hallam have organised office hours – so make sure you ask when they are and go to them!
- Find a study buddy
No matter how ambitious you are, befriending someone equally as motivated to get organised as you can often give you the drive to go to the library on rainy days and get started on those deadlines early. Having a study buddy on your course also helps motivate you to go to lectures and seminars – they’ll be there to nag you if you decide not to go!
- Having a good work-life balance!
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Stress levels can affect the way you think, how you act, and how much sleep you get. Whilst it’s important to stay organised, don’t forget to schedule time to let off steam and spend time with friends. Try not to isolate yourself – a problem shared is a problem halved!
