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I have officially finished my first year of university! First-year was a mixture of SO many ups and downs. What really saved me, were all my organisation systems. They really made my life so much easier and helped me a lot.

So many of these organisation systems have been adapted over time, I constantly mould them to fit my style of organisation. My organisation system use to entail having 2 planners and 2 notebooks. However, I have simplified it to 1 notebook and a digital calendar.

The organisation systems I am going to give will be flexible for you to to fit into YOUR busy schedule.

The systems were are going to be looking into are:

1. Writing everything down
2. Creating file systems
3. Using a digital calendar
4. Making an everyday folder

1. WRITE EVERYTHING DOWN

Writing EVERYTHING down is honestly extremely important! From deadlines to lists, it is so crucial.

I start every Sunday night writing a “Master to-do list”. Simply, this to-do list includes everything that I want/need to accomplish that week. For example chores, assignments, exercise, social life etc. Usually, the “Master to-do list” is long, roughly 20-25 bullet points (3/4 page of A5).

Next, take each day at a time. On the next page on your notebook, write the day and date (I love to have a colour theme for each week, but I am very extra!) Under the date, create a tick box system and pick 3/4 items from your “Master to-do list”. Don’t overdo it because things are likely to pop up throughout the week.

This process can be repeated for each day. I don’t like to plan the whole week in advance, because something always comes up. Nothing triggers my OCD more than scribbling and crossing out!

2. CREATING A FILE SYSTEM

Creating a file system from the very beginning is so much easier than establishing one-half way through the semester. This also applies to my digital organisation babes!

Firstly, purchase STURDY folders for each module you have. My favourite ones are from Amazon. The colours are so cute!

In each folder, you can use dividers to split each module into topics. Lastly, label the folders with the module. Throughout the semester, you can transfer your lecture and tutorial notes from your everyday folder (see number 4) into these large binders. When exam season approaches, all of your resources will be at your fingertips.

That is it! So easy!

3. USING A DIGITAL CALENDAR

During my first semester, I found my love for my Google calendar. If you would like to learn how to set it up to its maximum efficiency. Check out this post to learn more about Google Calendar.

At the beginning of the semester, you need to put all your lectures, tutorials, seminars, labs etc. into your calendar. To make your life that little bit easier, I suggest colour-coding by the module.

After adding your university schedule, you would need to put in what you do every day (meal times, waking up and going to bed). This will allow you to easily organise your time for the items you wrote down in your to-do list. See number 1 for more information. However, make sure to factor in breaks and travel time.

The best part about a digital calendar is that they send you alerts 30 mins before, so you will never miss a lecture again (well not by accident)!

As well as for university, I find it very useful to add appointments, flights and birthdays. All colour coordinated of course!

4. CREATING AN EVERYDAY FOLDER

It is not necessary at all to carry all your folders into uni every day! It just doesn’t make any sense. No hunchbacks over here!

Using an everyday folder not only keeps all your notes and lectures slides in one place, but it also keeps them looking neat. I use a presentation folder.

After printing anything for my modules, I put it straight into my everyday folder. It helps keep you on track and keeps everything in one place. Once I have completed a topic or the series of lecture slides, I transfer them into my big binder.

And that is it!

Putting all these organisation systems into place will save you so much time. Allowing you to put more time into the boring stuff, otherwise known as revision.

CONTINUE YOUR READING:

1. ORGANISATION HACKS: 8 WAYS TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK ON TRACK AFTER LOCKDOWN