Organization tips for college?

[Revolution]

Anybody have any organization tips for college?
For like, organizing school supplies and backpacks? Would you recommend, backpacks or totes or messenger bags? What kind of organization items would you have?

[Kanye West]

I would recommend having a backpack - I find it easiest to carry multiple things like snacks, water bottles, etc. I'd also recommend taking things down by hand and not using a laptop in class OR you can print over laptop overhead notes before class and jot down notes on those.

I would definitely recommend a monthly calendar to hang on your wall (one of those you can write on) so you can organize assignment due dates, extra circular stuff, etc. Maybe you can have a daily schedule as well. Monthly planners/agendas are also good too.

The best organization tip I can give you is staying ahead with your workload

[Kate*]

I used a backpack just because it's better for your back to have 2 straps instead of one (or a backpack with wheels). I just strored everything in it and didn't have to carry a purse.

I also had an accordian folder that had a pocket for extra paper and then one for each of my classes where all my papers went, it held together a lot better than the individual folders do and everything was in one place so I didn't have to worry about losing a folder.

A planner was a must for me otherwise I lost track of wnen things were due, but write major assignments and tests in pencil in case the dates change on you.

As far as note taking, it depends what you prefer, if you'd rather write notes out or take a laptop if you have one. It also depends what the professors allow (some might let you tape record the lectures). If they have their notes available online PRINT THEM and then add to them, it's easier to focus that way since you're not focused on writing so much. (printing them as handouts or notes pages and on both sides will save you a TON of paper and you won't have to carry it all around with you.

Color coding which books and notebooks and/or folders go together will keep you from ending up in class with the wrong thing.

Figure out in the beginning which classes will be more work than others and plan for that. There is no way you can read everything that they expect you to, so skimming is good.

[Pelios]

I use a messenger bag but I don't usually take books just a notebook to take notes and sometimes my laptop I have my books in my laptop. I'm with Katie with the color coding notebooks get your notebooks different colors so you don't mess up and get the wrong one. As far as organizing I’m not the best one to answer that question because I am a mess when it comes to keeping something organized or having to schedule my day.

[wonderbread]

You really need to have a desk/wall calender or planner. This way you can write down everything when you get your schedules for each class and so you can keep up with when things are due.

I would also try to stay at least three days ahead of assignments if it is possible. That way you know you have things done and if you are running behind in one class or something you have time to do it.

I would invest in a huge like three or four inch binder and tabs. This has saved me life in college.
I would also say use whatever luggage carrier would be best for you. If you have a lot of classes and books a backpack. If you have a lot of books and what not but your classes are spread out and such where you don't need to carry a lot, invest in a large messenger bag.
I usually go back and forth between just a purse and binder and my large lap top tote. Because I bring my laptop with me to school so I don't have to use the schools computer labs.

Also set time aside EACH day Monday through Friday, no matter how much you don't want to and study for your classes. What ever that may be. It could be doing your assignments, doing your readings, making guides, whatever. But side aside at least 1 hour min, to lock yourself away with your studies.