How to Get a 4.0 GPA in College

While we all know grades aren’t everything, a few points on your GPA can be the difference between thousands of dollars in scholarships, winning an award, or getting into your dream grad school. I’m only a junior in college, but so far I have managed to get a 4.0 every semester. Of course, a 4.0 GPA doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a dream job in your desired occupation – but it doesn’t hurt either. Whatever your motivation, here are some tips and tricks I use to keep myself on task, motivated, and on the way to the Dean’s list.

1. Handwriting Notes

Handwriting your class notes has countless benefits, including keeping you actively engaged and helping you retain information longer. While handwriting everything may seem slower and more meticulous at first, you get into the groove of it and learn to really focus on writing down key points rather than monotonously typing every little detail. Being able to determine what is worth writing down requires you listening more carefully and in turn, helps to keep you attentive during long lectures.

I also like handwriting notes because you have a lot more freedom. If you find your mind wandering during class, you can add a little doodle here or there to keep yourself focused. Handwriting also gives you more freedom when copying down graphs, timelines, or other visual components – rather than fumbling around with charts on your computer and missing important information, handwriting allows you to easily sketch in visuals whenever you need to without missing a beat.

2. Going to the Library

When it comes to focusing and making the most of your time, it’s important to know how you work and where you work best. For me, this is the library. I like the library because it is a quiet environment that really encourages productivity and focus. When you look around and see that everyone else is busy working, you will be encouraged to get back to work too and won’t be tempted to distract others. This quiet, distraction-free environment is the best place for me to go when I really need to get stuff done. For you, the ideal work environment might be different – for example, a coffee shop, your dorm lobby, your room, etc. Wherever you decide to do your work, make sure that it is a place with minimal distractions and one that caters to your individual working style.

3. Using a Planner

I honestly have no idea how people survive college without some sort of planner – my planner is my life source! Planners are great because you can keep all your important information in one place, whether that’s assignment info, to-do lists, or due dates. I keep my planner with me at all times and check it countless times throughout the day. Having your planner handy will ensure you don’t forget anything because you can jot it down right away! During the beginning of the semester, I pull out all my syllabi and begin planning out my semester with all my upcoming assignments, tests, presentations, etc. color-coded based on the class they’re for.

4. Paying Attention to the Little Things

 Though it can be easy to ignore small assignments in the midst of big presentations and tests, you might regret it when the end of the semester comes and you’re only a few points away from an A! Small reading responses or easy extra credit assignments might feel like pointless busywork, but they really can make a difference on your long-term GPA. Of course, I’m not suggesting you spend 3 hours on a 5 point assignment, but if you prioritize your time well, you should have no problem keeping up with day-to-day work, even if it means staying up half an hour later than you originally planned to. After all, it’s always better to turn something in and get partial credit than to get a zero.

5. Going to Class

Pretty self-explanatory, right? My school has a fairly strict attendance policy where not showing up to class really effects your grade, but I know many bigger colleges don’t. Whether you have to or not, going to class is super important if you want to maintain good grades. Even if you have someone film the lecture for you, nothing quite compares to physically being there where you can discuss the material or ask the professor questions. I highly suggest making class attendance a priority from the very beginning of your college career – besides, classes are literally what you are paying for, so make sure to get your money’s worth.

So, there you have it! While doing these things won’t guarantee straight A’s every semester, it’s a good place to start.

---

What are some tips and tricks you use to keep yourself on track?

This article was originally posted as “The Secrets to Getting a 4.0 GPA in College” here.

How to Thrive in a College Dorm

You pick your classes, buy your books, and select your meal plan… but when it comes to college, dorm life is not something people usually think of to prepare for. Living in a college dorm is a huge transition from living at home, and can really make or break your experience. Although every roommate situation is unique – whether you’ve been best friends for years or you move in as strangers – there are 5 ways you can go into your college dorm prepared to succeed:

1. Be open and friendly

Dorm life, and college in general, will expose you to lots of people who are very different from you. This can disorienting and scary at first, but it is best not to make snap judgments. You will meet tons of new people in college, and while you won’t become best friends with all of them, you should try your best to be friendly to everyone! Make an effort to remember people’s names and say “hi” when you see them around campus. This will go along way in making yourself, and those around you, feel more at home.

2. Know your limits and set boundaries

Because you’ll be around so many people all the time, it can be easy to spread yourself too thin and burn out. Setting boundaries and knowing how much you can handle going into your dorm situation will help prevent you from getting to this point. And don’t feel bad about communicating this others right away! Just letting your roommate know “if I have my headphones in, I probably just need some time alone” or “I’d like to have people out of the room by 10pm,” will be super helpful for both of you. Most importantly though, you have to enforce these limits for yourself.

3. Make time for yourself

Putting aside time for yourself is not selfish. In fact, it’s just about the only way you’ll survive college! Even the most extroverted people need time to themselves – at the very least, to get some serious homework done. Although its easy to give into the fear of missing out, taking time for some peace and quiet is never time wasted. Even if you have to schedule it in your planner or wake up a few minutes early, set aside time for yourself to relax, refocus, and recharge.

4. Be forgiving and accepting

Living with lots of other people can be difficult, no matter how much you love them. Everyone has different lifestyles, schedules, and personalities. When living in close proximity with others, you have to be easy to forgive. Not every little annoyance is worth starting a fight over – especially when those little annoyances will happen multiple times a day. Learn to give grace to others, and they will give grace to you.

5. Choose your roommates wisely

After your first year of college, you will learn this: being roommates can make or break a friendship. Just because someone is your friend, or even your best friend, does not mean you will live well together! Rather than making sure you are BFFs with your roommate, consider more practical things, like class schedule, introversion/extroversion, and general lifestyle preferences. Don’t be afraid to have the sometimes-difficult conversation that you might be better as friends, and not roommates. Besides, having your best friend as your roommate can sometimes make it all too easy to stick to your room and not branch out into other social groups.

---

While dorm life can be messy (literally), it can also be one of the best parts of your college experience. What other tips and tricks have you learned to survive, and thrive, in dorm life?

5 Ways to Build Your Resume in College

You’ve decided on a major, selected your classes, packed up your things, and finally, here you are – college! College is an amazing and exciting experience, but it can also be a scary time in your life as you get closer and closer to entering the “real world” and, hopefully, finding a career. Once the excitement has worn off, you will probably start to think about your life after college – what you will have on your resume, how you are going to present yourself to future employers, and what unique things will make you stand out. These things can quickly become overwhelming, but they don’t have to be!

It really is such a shame that many students graduate college with a degree but no real-life experience to make them stand out in a professional environment, not realizing all the amazing opportunities they had around them during their college years! So, if you’re someone who wants to make the most of their college experience while also building your resume and preparing for your future, look no further – here are 5 fun, easy ways to build your resume in college:

1. Student Government

Student government is a great way to get involved in your school and really invest in the lives of your fellow students. Not only is it a way to directly impact and improve your school, but it’s also a great place to learn the important values of leadership, collaboration, and decision-making! Even if you don’t think you’re President or VP-material, being an event coordinator or secretary for your school’s student government will still give you lots of opportunities and experiences to carry on with you into the workplace. By having something like student government on your resume, employers will see that you have what it takes to be in leadership and that you truly care about making in impact in the environment you’re apart of!

2. Athletics

You may be thinking, “How does being on the soccer team make me a better employee?” Well – lots of reasons! Being involved in athletics is an awesome way to develop discipline, time management, and your ability to work as part of a team – after all, college athletics are serious business, from 6am practices to hours spent in the gym conditioning. Coming from this solid background of college athletics will prove you are comfortable being apart of group, but are also able to take charge when your team needs you. All these skills will be evident to an employer who sees that you were able to be successful in athletics while also maintaining excellence in other areas of your life.

3. Jobs/Internships

One of the best parts about living on a college campus is the amount of jobs available within walking distance! Interested in business? See if the business school is hiring student assistants. Thinking of going into construction? Ask if you can shadow a facilities worker. Really, the opportunities are endless! Your professors and advisors are also a great way to find out about jobs or internships in your field as they probably have friends or colleagues still working in their practices. Even if it’s only an entry-level position, having a summer of experience at a company you may want to work for some day is a great thing to have on your resume! You will undoubtedly learn many practical skills and take in lots from behind the scenes that will help you later on in your career.

4. Clubs/Student Organizations

Another great way to get involved in your community, make good connections, and build your resume is to get involved in a club or student organization! Whether they’re related to academics or just personal interest, clubs and organizations are the perfect way to meet new people, have meaningful experiences, and further pursue things you’re interested in. For example, if you’re a political science major, you may want to get involved in a political group at your school that will allow you to meet with local politicians and get an inside look into your town government! Even if the club you join is not directly related to the career you want, it will still stand out on your resume that you chose to do something productive with your free time in college.

5. Volunteering

It might be easy to dismiss volunteering your time when you could be getting a paid job, but volunteering has a lot of other benefits. Volunteers are willing to sacrifice their time and resources to help others (great qualities for a future employee!) and see this as more valuable than money. Some of your most impactful life experiences will be the ones you didn’t get paid for, so whether it was at a VBS, summer camp, or a charity event, an employer will notice you were willing to give up your time to help others and make a difference in your community.

---

So, there you have it – 5 easy ways to get real life experience on your resume before you graduate! Whether it’s through a job, club, sports team, or internship, being involved and invested in your college community is always a great way to make meaningful connections, have fun, gain experience, and stand out in a crowd of resumes.

 

Review: ClassTracker’s “Ultimate Student Planner”

If you’ve read any of my previous posts, or know me in real life, you’ll know that I am unhealthily obsessed with planners. As in, I know it would be totally inefficient to use more than one planner but I won’t lie, I’ve thought about it. It’s that bad. 🙂 Long story short, when Lesley from ClassTracker contacted me and asked if she could send me a planner to try out, you can imagine my reaction… YES!

The first thing I noticed upon receiving ClassTracker’s “Ultimate Student Planner” was the clean and simple design. It’s thin, light, and easy to take on the go, while still being totally spacious on the inside. Additionally, the minimalistic cover is one you won’t get sick of seeing every day.

Moving inside, the planner is clearly laid out to keep a balanced schedule. With specific sections like “remember to,” “quizzes/exams/papers/projects,” “assignments,” and “activities,” there is literally a place for everything. Each week also has a spot for a to-do list and a weekly countdown.

The layout is perfect for those who want to stay organized, but don’t know where to start. PSA procrastinators and messy people: ClassTracker’s planner breaks it all down for you! I will note that the strict breakdown of the planner doesn’t give a lot of room for creativity, but for those who are easily distracted, this may be what you need. The layout is also great for those who need visual reminders and like to have everything they need in one go-to spot.

Overall, the “Ultimate Student Planner” is perfect for students looking for a straightforward, easy way to balance their life. And with a $20 price tag, it’s definitely student-budget friendly!  You can learn more about/purchase ClassTracker’s “Ultimate Student Planner” here:

https://myclasstracker.com/ and on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

---

NOTE: This is not a paid advertisement. I was provided with a free planner from ClassTracker in exchange for my honest feedback. All opinions are my own.

4 College Presentation Hacks

In my experience, presentations can be one of the most difficult and nerve-wracking parts of being a college student. I’ve always considered myself to be much better at written communication than verbal communication (hence the blog) because I like to revise and reword things until they’re just right. With presentations, you only get one shot, and that’s the part I hate the most!

Whether you enjoy giving presentations or not, they are an inevitable part of most academic programs and usually cannot be avoided. Presentations also require many important skills needed later on in life, like public speaking, confidence, and the ability to communicate well. So while they can be scary and uncomfortable, the presentations you give in your college classes are a great learning experience and environment for you to develop your skills in this area. To make this process a little easier, here are 4 college presentation hacks to boost your confidence and get you through:

1. Ask for the Rubric

If the rubric for your presentation is not in your syllabus, ask the professor if you can see one. If they don’t have a specific rubric for the presentation, ask them for general guidelines and criteria they are grading on. This will allow you to shape your presentation based on their expectations and give you a greater chance for success than going into it blindly. There are some expectations like the content covered, format, and length, that are more obvious, but it is also good to know ahead of time if they’ll be marking off for things like using “um” or the attire for the presentation.

2. Practice (in front of people!)

This might be obvious, but the best thing you can do to prepare for a presentation is to practice – practice – practice. Rather than just reading over your slides and planning out what you are going to say in your head, give the actual presentation. Try once or twice by yourself then ask a friend to watch you and give you tips. I have found this to be so much more helpful than just reading over the presentation because by actually presenting, you become familiar with the flow of what you’re saying and how to transition between points (a great way to avoid the “ums”!). Give it a try and I promise you will feel more prepared and less nervous when the real presentation comes around!

3. Time Yourself (several times!)

This tip goes along with practicing several times out loud and in front of others – time yourself every time! Don’t ever estimate how long the presentation will take, especially if there is a strict time limit and you will get points taken off for running over/under. Timing yourself more than once is extremely helpful because you get more fluid as you practice, often shortening your time. It’s also helpful to know if you usually speak faster or slower under pressure so you can account for that and get a good feel of what speed you need to use to hit your goal time.

4. Ask for Feedback

Asking for feedback is important before and after you give your presentation. While practicing in front of friends, ask them for what went well and what could’ve gone better. This will allow you to identify your weaknesses and work out the kinks of the presentation before you will actually be graded on it. After the presentation, pay attention to how you are graded and what feedback your professor provides. You could even ask them via e-mail or set up a meeting to discuss what you can improve on. This is a great way to constantly improve and set yourself up for success next time!

–

Knowing the expectations, practicing, and asking for feedback are great ways to improve your presentation skills. Using these tips will keep you prepared, confident, and stress-free when presentations come around. Good luck!

What other presentation tips and tricks do you use?

 

4 Steps to Nailing an Interview

Whether you’ve been to one or twenty, interviews can be the most intimidating part of the job-hunt process. Because first impressions are so important, you want to put your best foot forward – but this is easier said than done. Every interview is different and it can be difficult going into an interview with no idea what to expect or how to prepare. Although I am certainly not a know-it-all expert about job interviews, I know the feeling of terror when experiencing your first real interview. Because I totally feel your pain, I thought I would share some quick tips and tricks for how you – yes you! – can walk into an interview feeling confident and nail it!

 

1. Dress for Success

As the saying goes: “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” Of course, the way you dress for your interview will depend on the job – you probably wouldn’t dress the same for an interview at Burger King as you would for an accounting firm, but it is good to take every interview seriously. If you’re not sure what to expect when going into your interview, it’s better to be overdressed than to show up too casual. If anything, it will communicate a sense of responsibility and professionalism if you show up the best dressed in the room! Side note: if the interview goes well and you do get the job, it’s totally acceptable to ask the dress code expected of you.

2. Read Up on the Job/Company

Before going in for an interview, make sure you are familiar with the job description and the ins and outs of what will be expected of you if you get the job. It’s also a good idea to go the extra step and read up on the company – things like their mission statement, core values, etc. are great things to know and incorporate into your interview. For example, if asked why you want the job, you could say something like “When I applied for this job, I was drawn to the way your company values ___” and such. This will show that you care about where you work and demonstrate initiative to your interviewer.

3. Ask Good Questions

When it comes to interviews, good questions are almost as good as good answers. Most interviewers will end the interview by asking “so, do you have any questions for me?” Rather than asking simple questions like “how much does it pay? What do you like most about working here?” try more intelligent questions, such as “What are the three main qualities you are looking for in someone to fill this position?” or “What does a successful employee look like to you?” Thoughtful questions like these will show that you are truly interested in whether or not you are a good fit for the company and will impress your interviewer. 

4. Try to Work in New Information

While your resume is usually something like a personal highlight reel, there might be other things about yourself that are notable but not necessarily resume-material (ex. you’ve studied abroad, a meaningful life experience that shaped you, etc.) I was sitting in an interview once and was asked “what’s something I wouldn’t know about you from your application?” Obviously there were lots of possible answers to this question, but I knew the interviewer was looking for something meaningful. When you’re in an interview, remember that the person interviewing you has already read your application/resume, so feel free to provide new, useful information above and beyond what they already know rather than just repeating your entire resume. This will prove that there is even more depth and experience you bring to the table than your application revealed.

—

After you’ve picked out your outfit, researched, and prepared – relax! Interviewers are humans too and will understand if you seem nervous. The first interview is always the hardest, and you’ll soon get the hang of them. If you don’t end up getting the job, follow up with the employer and ask where you went wrong and where you could’ve done better. When you see interviews as a way to grow, every interview that doesn’t end in a job is not a failure – it’s just another good experience to build your confidence and competence. Best of luck! 🙂

5 Productive Things to Do This Summer

You’ve (barely) survived all your final projects and exams and at last, it is here: summer – the time you’ve been waiting for since the first syllabus landed on your desk this semester. Now what? It can be strange going from the busyness of a full semester into suddenly having no responsibilities – like you’re going on a really fast train that suddenly comes to a halt. Of course, it’s fun for the first week or two (or three…) to stay up late watching Netflix and sleep in the next morning, but if you’re like me, this lack of productivity starts to nag at you. Eventually I feel like I have to do something or I’m going to go crazy, and I know I would be disappointed in myself if I looked back on the whole summer and realized I let it all pass by without doing much of anything. Because your schedule is so flexible, summer can actually be one of the most productive times where you can set lots of goals and have no real excuse not to reach them. So on that note, here’s my suggestions of things you can do this summer to make it a good (and productive) one!

1. Listen to Podcasts

On a 28-hour road trip with some friends to Arizona, an incredible discovery was made: the beauty of podcasts. Podcasts are awesome because you can listen to them while doing pretty much anything. They can be funny, informative, or just entertaining and are a great way to make boring tasks more enjoyable. For example, I’m working at my school this summer and commuting from home. Rather than just listening to music (which gets boring after awhile), I download podcasts – they keep my mind engaged and just seem to make the drive go by more quickly. If you’re looking for awesome, free podcasts, I recommend Serial, This American Life, and the TED Radio Hour.

2. Take an Online Class

I know in the midst of the semester, the last thing you want to do is a sign up for more schoolwork during your summer break BUT, summer classes are a great way to keep exercising your brain, knock some credits out of the way, and lessen your workload for coming semesters! Another bonus is that online classes are usually less expensive than classes on campus. Whether it’s a simple gen. ed. class you’ve been putting off or a 400-level that requires all your attention, you’ll thank yourself later for making good use of your time. 

3. Learn about Something You’re Interested in

Summer is also a great time to learn about things that may have nothing to do with what you’re studying at school! If there’s something you’ve always found fascinating, take some time and find a documentary to watch or rent some books from the library on the subject. It may not seem very appealing at first, but it’s a good way to develop a love for learning that’s not dependent on a grade, but purely for your own enjoyment and growth.

4. Start Running/Exercising

When you’re trying to balance academics and your social life, health and exercise can quickly take the backburner. But not this summer! Summer is a great time to pick up a new healthy hobby like running, yoga, pilates, cycling, etc. These exercises will also encourage you to get outside and enjoy the summer weather while it lasts. Tip – I like to listen to podcasts (as mentioned above) when running/working out because it redirects by attention and keeps my mind busy. And hey, if you find an exercise you love enough, maybe you’ll even be motivated to carry it on into the school year!

5. Get a Job/Internship

This is probably the most productive suggestion, but also the one no one wants to hear. However, once you get into college and start thinking about the future, your bills, and your resume, getting a job becomes pretty important. While you have limited availability during the school year, the summer time is perfect for starting a full-time internship or job! The more experience you can have before you graduate the better, even if it is just at a store/restaurant and not necessarily in your dream occupation. I’m aware that getting a job isn’t the most “fun” option for the summertime, but it is a long-term investment into your future that you’ll be glad you made.

–

While that certainly wasn’t an extensive list, hopefully it gave you some good ideas to think about! Whatever you decide to do this summer – volunteering, starting a blog, going on a roadtrip, or any of the things listed above – make the most of the time and opportunities you have. It’ll be time to go back to school before you know it!

College Backpack Essentials

In the hectic world of college, it can be hard to find times throughout the day to go back to your room and grab what you need and you never know when you might be running late, so it’s good to be prepared for whatever the day might bring! I like using a backpack, but a large purse can also work for carrying your stuff around throughout the day – just make sure you have enough room for your laptop, notebooks, and heavy textbooks. On top of carrying what you need for class, I like to keep my backpack stocked with other daily essentials. Here’s what I keep in my backpack and consider backpack must-haves for college!

1. Chapstick

If you’re anything like me, you apply Chapstick approximately once every 30 seconds… Seriously, it’s an issue. Whether it’s fall, winter, or spring, I find my lips get chapped and dry way too easily, which can be super distracting when trying to focus in class! For this reason, I always keep chapstick in my backpack/purse. I have chapstick I keep permanently in my backpack and some for my room so I never forget to bring it somewhere and I’m always prepared wherever dry lips strike! My favorite chapstick is this one by Baby Lips – I use Quenched because it’s colorless and I’ve found it works the best.

2. Planner

Okay, I know all I do is talk about planners, but really… super important! And there’s no point in having a planner if you don’t carry it with you, so always make sure it’s tucked away safely in your backpack before you head off to class or the library!

3. Pencil Case

Another obvious one, but don’t forget to find a good pencil case and keep it stocked with pens, pencils, and highlighters! I use this one by Herschel.

4. Hand Lotion/Sanitizer

As often as I get dry lips, I get dry hands, so I love keeping a small hand lotion in my backpack! Bath and Body Works has cute, cheap ones that are perfect to slip into your backpack pocket. And you never know when you’re going to spill or you know, pet a random dog, so having hand sanitizer with you is always a good idea as well.

5. Water Bottle/Snack

Especially on hot days, it can be tiring just walking around campus from building to building! Keeping a water bottle with you at all times will make sure you stay properly hydrated throughout the day between meals. I like this Camelbak water bottle because it has a built-in water filter. I also recommend keeping some chips or a granola bar in your backpack in case you get hungry during a busy day or in class! I like to save granola bars from the cafeteria and keep a stash in my backpack.

6. Lanyard/Keys

Keeping a lanyard or small wallet with your student ID, room key, mailbox key, etc. is an easy way to keep all your things in one place while also making sure you don’t get locked out! It also helps keep your keys in one, easily-accessible place so you aren’t fumbling around or digging through your backpack.

Now just add your notebooks, laptop, and textbooks, and you’re all ready to go for the day!

---

Note: none of these products/links are sponsored. All opinions are my own as these are products I genuinely enjoy/recommend.

 

How to Stay Organized in College

Although lots of people survive high school with little to no organizational skills, heading to college feels like a whole different ball game – and it is. From the minute you start your first college class, gone are the days of teachers holding your hand and reminding you whenever there is an assignment due. For this reason, I’m not sure many high schools prepare their students well enough for the leap that is college… So here I am, offering my college expertise J. Being organized can really make or break your college experience – and your GPA. Even when it comes to your social life, keeping things organized can actually leave you more free time and ensure you don’t miss fun events you were planning to attend! So, without further adieu, here are my tips and tricks on staying organized in college…

 1. Keep a Planner

A planner is essential for college! Rather than getting your upcoming assignments/tests given to you a week at a time like high school, you will soon encounter the first terror of college – syllabus week, when your profs unleash the work for the entire semester onto trembling students. Okay… it’s not really that bad, but it can be super overwhelming if you aren’t prepared! When syllabus week comes, make sure to have your planner handy and make it a priority to sit down with your syllabi and fill out the due dates for your upcoming semester.

I check my planner several times a day because it is the place I keep all my important information – assignment due dates, group meeting times, friends’ birthdays, etc. Keeping everyone in one place and checking it frequently ensures you won’t drop the ball on anything important! I keep things in my planner in a short “to-do” list format, but your planner should be organized whichever way works best for you. And as much as I would like to say my planner is super neat and organized, there’s plenty of scribbles and arrows pointing every which way – after all, you will inevitably experience at least one prof in your college career that insists on veering off the entire syllabus! Whatever profs throw your way, keeping an updated planner is key to keeping your school, work, and social life balanced and on schedule. I use this one by Kate Spade.

2. To-Do Lists

To-do lists are another way I keep myself on track! If I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed (or just have a few free minutes), I like to break down my upcoming projects and assignments into daily to-do lists. This ensures that I am getting everything done in time, and overall just makes life feel a lot more manageable! I also love being able to sit down and check/cross things off my to-do list. I use this cute Office notepad my cousin got me for my to-do lists because they have plenty of room but also fit nicely into my planner, although a sticky note or really any piece of paper works.

 3. Color-Coding

I know this may seem a little extreme to some people, but it works for me! I start off the semester by writing down my schedule in my planner, then assigning a highlighter color to each class (I just use a black pen to write things in, then highlight over it). Once I start getting syllabi and filling out due dates, I highlight each assignment based on the class its for, as well as any group project meetings or special events I might have for that class. If I’m writing an assignment in a to-do list, I’ll also highlight it with its proper class color. Like I said, this might seem a little overboard, but it’s a quick and simple way to help your brain keep information separate in an easy way!

 4. Multiple Subject Notebooks

My first semester at college, I bought separate notebooks for each class. Not only did this make it easier to forget notebooks or grab the wrong one, I also had a bunch of half-used notebooks left over! Since then, I have discovered the beauty of multiple-subject notebooks. I love these because you can organize them based on your schedule – for example, if you have 3 classes on MWF and 2 on T/TH, you can just get a 3 subject notebook and a 2 subject notebook and you will only need to carry around one notebook each day! This makes it easier to grab the right notebook and prevents you from needing to go back to your room between each class, as well as making your backpack lighter and less cluttered.

–

Because college is a totally different environment and schedule than high school, keeping your life organized is very important. Since you’ll no longer have parents or teachers there to remind you whenever there is an event or something due, keeping all your stuff together will help you stay on top of things and feel like your life is under control – until finals week, that is 😉