Disorganization and Procrastination: The consequences can be painful and lead to panic; do you really need the grief? You are truly on your own. There will be no one to get you are out of bed after the alarm has been turned off. There will be no one to remind you, make sure you have your stuff or bring it if you forget. There will be no one to tell you when to or what to eat, when to sleep, socialize, or study. Parents will have some general expectations, because usually they are paying the bills. They will be interested in your educational progression, along with eventual emotional and financial independence. The reality however, is you will be primarily accountable to yourself. Some people will handle this well, others will stumble, but eventually figure it out, and some will mess up royally and need a period of major reflection, re-grouping and maturation, usually back living at home.

Here are a few tips to consider. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do all of this perfectly, but if you get some of it down, it will increase your chance for success.

Get Organized

Select a calendar, planner, or electronic organizer

Write it all down and map out the quarter or semester

Class schedules

Homework assignments

Project deadlines

Meetings with study groups or partners

Quiz and test dates

Finals

Work schedules

Social activities, dates or events

Keep class materials in order

Avoid stuffing class materials randomly in a backpack

Use binders, dividers, folders and notebooks

Get a portable three-hole punch and small stapler

Arrange materials ASAP to avoid loosing them

Plan a Routine

Consider class schedules, cafeteria hours, and work schedule

Dedicate periods of time for studying

Build in time for exercise

Working out

Intramural sports

Pick-up games

Use of the recreational center

Plan for down time

Hanging out

Social activities

Video or computer games

Television programs and sports

Develop a Study Plan

Dedicate periods of time for studying

Plan for every one hour of class instruction to spend two hours studying

Maximize time

Study during small periods of time between classes

Study while doing laundry

Consider study environment and what works best

Noise

Distraction

Music

Quiet

Seclusion

Select places to study

Library

Dorm study halls

Student Union

Cafeteria

Dorm room

Outside

Review study guide books for tips

Taking notes

Outlining content

Creating study guides

Working with study groups

Other suggestions

Consider re-writing class notes to reinforce content and fill in gaps

Explore the University Tutoring Center for support services

Select friends with similar goals as study partners

Subscribe to class notes if availble