So here we are in October and like many of you Ive just gone back to University. I cant believe I am going into my second year already. I managed first year and can say honestly that I really enjoyed it. I feel now that I'm finally studying something Im truly interested in its helped me to stay a lot more focused.
However, this year already the work I'm doing has increased, the reading I need to do has increased and my stress levels are already going through the roof! Ive pulled an all nighter already and I'm four weeks in!
I thought I would share with you just some of the ways I personally like to stay organised throughout my course and how I managed to get through my first year. I find being organised is helping me to stay on top of things and helping my stress levels stay more steady!
Keep a Diary
The first and probably most obvious thing is having a Diary. I like to get one than starts and finishes around July as this will take you right through the academic year. The first thing I do is write down any holidays that the College or Uni have, reading weeks you may get, inservice days and also things you have planned yourself personally so you can organise your workload around them. Having your diary to hand at all times is also such a nessecity as you can right down last minute bits and pieces. I couldn't have gotten through first year quite as well if I hadn't been good at keeping my diary and so far this year its keeping my mind on the right track.
Weekly Planner
Another thing I found really useful which I hadn't used until my first year at Uni was a weekly planner. These are so great! You can sit down on a monday, look at what is needing done and plan it out. This is great for not only planning the work you need to do but also for sticking to a schedule and not going off track...which I do quite a lot!
Folders
Having folders is something I don't think you can survive school, college or uni without. For each semester I do 3 to 4 different modules/subjects and I like to have each in their own folder so I can easily find or be able to take whichever folder I need to uni without having to take everything.You can never have enough ring binders! Its also really good to have a folder full of important documents such as applications, appointments, funding letters and so on so you know where everything is.
Take a Break
I myself, am one of those studying folk that feels they need to study study study and forget that its good to take a break. Take 20 minutes every couple of hours to just let your batteries recharge. Get a cuppa or even go for a wee walk. It honestly makes all the difference and lets your brain have a wee rest before going back to studying and means you will take more in.
Overall, just try and not freak out! Easier said than done. There is going to come a time when your deadlines start to build up and two or more assessments are due at the same time and you fall behind in your work (Im currently two weeks behind schedule already!) but you just have to roll with it. You wanted to do the course your on and think how awesome its going to be when you come home with that degree.
Hope you are all having a lovely day, if you have any questions feel free to leave them below.
Amy x
