One thing I regret about university is not using a planner. I was super busy as a student. Two part time jobs, lectures, assignments, cheerleading, gym, social activities. I barely had any time to myself. I only started to use a planner a couple of years ago so now that I know amazing they are, I realize how useful having one would have been as a student. That’s why I wanted to share how you can use your planner for academic success. These tips would have definitely have been beneficial for me when I was a student so I hope they’ll work for you too!
TRACK YOUR CLASSES AND ASSIGNMENTS
Manage your time. If you want to plan for academic success then you need to know what classes you have and what assignments to complete. Once you receive your syllabus, add the classes to your planner. Include the time, room number and lecturer so that know exactly where you have to be.
Your planner can not only help to organize your academic life but it can organize your personal life too! Once you have written in your college schedule, add your personal schedule to your planner too: appointments, social events, work, fitness, etc.
COLOUR CODE YOUR PLANNER
If you are a visual person then determining a colour code will give you a better overview of your life. If you’ve seen my planner then you’ll know that I’m a minimalist at heart. I don’t like lots of bright coloured pens so instead I categorize my planner with different colour washi tape and stickers (mainly rose gold, pinks, gold and silvers). However it’s important to decorate your planner in a way that is beneficial to you. If bright coloured pens is your thing then go ahead!
Dedicate a different colour/washi for each section of your life. You’ll soon memorize what colour associates to each section so a quick glance of your planner and you’ll know exactly what is going on.
TREAT COLLEGE LIKE A 9-5 JOB
Do you find yourself going to a 11am class then spend the rest of the day doing nothing? It’s easy to get into an unproductive rut when you only have one/two classes a day. That’s why you should learn to treat college like a 9-5 job. Block out your entire day in your planner to dedicate to your studies. Instead of going straight home after your classes go to the library or schedule time to do extra reading.
MAKE USE OF AN ASSIGNMENT PLANNER
Getting your thoughts together for an assignment can be difficult. Using an assignment planner allows you to brainstorm your ideas and break down your essay into smaller tasks. Rather than taking on your assignment with no plan at all, spend time to think about how you’re going to do it. Start with research or reading and add these to your task list. That way you’re assignment won’t seem like one huge job that is easy to put off.
Related: You can download a free assignment planner to use here.
SET GOALS AND TRACK THEM
Set goals for each semester to keep yourself motivated. You can have one big goal for the whole semester such as receiving a first in a particular module. Break your goal down into smaller tasks so that isn’t overwhelming for you.
You might find it more manageable to have several small goals instead. They don’t have to be anything major. Just having something as simple as meal planning on Sundays is a step in the right direction. By planning your meals in advance, you can spend more time focusing on your studies!
Write down your goals in your planner as a permanent reminder. If you’re struggling to achieve them, then re-evaluate until you find a way that suits you.
Related: You can download a free goal planner to use here.
If you’d like a printable Student planner to help get you through the year then take a look at these functional planners available in the shop: Printable Student Planners.
How do you your planner to prepare for the semester? I’d love to hear your ideas so share them in the comments!
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