by M. Sparga

Created on: February 02, 2008   Last Updated: January 06, 2012

Staying organized can make your school days a lot more enjoyable than they otherwise would be. There are plenty of things to keep track of when you're a student, whether it's your class schedule, school supplies, or assignments. You might feel yourself pulled in many directions with your homework, extracurricular activities, and social life. If you get yourself organized and keep it up throughout the school year, you'll notice you perform better in the classroom and have more spare time for yourself to enjoy.

Getting organized and staying that way doesn't require a huge amount of effort if you set yourself up for success from the start. Just focus on a few key areas that will make a big impact on your studies, specifically the school supplies you use, your note-taking skills, and the study habits you form.

School Supplies
To stay on top of things, it helps to have the right gear. You need somewhere to store and file your class notes and assignments so you can access them whenever you need them. Whether folders, notebooks, or binders work best for you is a matter of personal preference. If you use a binder, be sure to separate out the different classes with labeled tabs. Spiral notebooks come in different sizes, and some of the thicker ones come with dividers built in so that you can use the same notebook for several classes. You should also write your name in your textbooks as soon as you get them so they won't get lost.

Note-Taking Skills
A key way to get organized is through good note-taking. Thorough class notes are essential if you want to be able to recall a teacher's lecture or an illuminating class discussion long after the class was held - perhaps as midterms or final exams approach. To take good notes, try to develop a system that works for you. Consider using bullet points, color coding, or highlighting. Try to find ways to make the main points from class stick out, with the supporting details underneath. You can save time by using abbreviations for words so that you can capture more of the context around them.

Regular Study Habits
Good organization for a student doesn't stop outside the classroom. You can use all the organizational supplies available and take pristine notes, but to get the most out of them, you have to set aside time to study. Allow yourself enough time to get through your work so you aren't rushed, and try to make a routine out of it. Managing your time is all part of being organized. If you form good study habits, such as doing your homework during a regular time and in a regular place, it will help you to concentrate and absorb the information from your classes. In short, you are helping to organize your mind.

Since better organization means better time management, you'll be able to get through all your homework and studying faster. You won't have to waste a lot of study time trying to find your class handouts, for example, if you already have them filed in a specific place. If you get organized and turn that organization into a habit, you'll be able to perform better in school and still make the most of your free time.

Learn more about this author, M. Sparga.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.