how i get organized for grad school.

Hello fellow students!

​If you're a student heading into the Fall 2019 semester, the nerves surely have started to accumulate. By now, you've read through your syllabi, if it was available to you. You've purchased your textbooks and supplies. You've read your required readings. You've made sure your new supplies are in place and ready for the first day of class. You've attended orientation and met your future classmates. You are equal parts excited and anxious. For me, I have experienced all those things.

With the onslaught of due dates, projects, exams, and papers from your syllabi, it'll surely drive you crazy. To mitigate the stress that comes with all that pressure, I try to stay very organized. How will you be staying organized this semester? Here are some of my favorite ways!

ChoosinG supplies.

I don't know about you, but this is a very important step before school begins. And the most fun! But before you go wild at the store, think about how you will use and incorporate these supplies during the year. Purchasing and storing the right supplies (for your needs) is crucial to doing your best. The supplies you acquire depends greatly on the classes you take. Be sure to consult your syllabi or email professors! 

Whether you prefer minimal supplies, or indulge in a theme, you can find whatever you need to make your experience as productive as possible. Organization can positively influence productivity. I recommend purchasing your supplies with utility in mind. Aim for items that save money long term and have multiple uses.

​My note-taking supplies are also used for my bullet journal. For note-taking and coursework, I have a customizable disc-bound notebook that can fit over 200 pages or inserts. I prefer to use dotted paper instead of ruled paper for notes as I am able to write more information on one page. I print out my own using online templates. I divide my classes with tab dividers and important handouts are kept in sheet protectors. I also keep a filing folder to store my graded assignments and exams. My pencil case has compartments for my pens, glue stick, markers, eraser, flash drive, and a pocket for my correction tape. 

Here are links to the supplies I purchased for myself. ​

• Day Designer Monthly Planner, available at WalMart stores.
• Arc Notebook System, available at Staples stores.
• Filing Folder 
• 6x4 Flashcards 
• Pastel Sticky Notes
• Sakura White Jelly Roll Pens, available at Hobby Lobby.
• Correction Tape ​
• Pigma Micron Pens, available at Hobby Lobby.
• Sarasa Pastel Gel Pens, available at Staples stores.
• Pencil Case
• Backpack
• Toiletry Case
• Laptop Stand
• Highlighters 1 & 2
• Brush Pens 1 & 2

Choosing an organizational system

Like I mentioned in my self care post, introducing any type of organizational system allows you to take control of your life and manage stressors. This is especially true of undergrad and grad school. If you are a working, full time student, this is highly recommended. 

Storage units.

Storage units such as shelving and filing cabinets/folders are a great way to organize your supplies and important papers. Storage units can be purchased in a variety of means and methods. You can purchase a storage unit for your own individual needs. When purchasing storage units, keep utility in mind. I go for units that can have multiple uses.

I prefer a six cube organizer to store my textbooks, flashcards, novels, and exam review notebooks for each class. It can be displayed vertically or horizontally. On top, I used a cube bin to store any extra stationary. Next to the cube bin, I store the books I am currently reading.

To-Do Lists.

To-do lists are perfect for those constantly on the go. They can be used to keep track of everything you need to get done for the day in a minimal manner. To-do lists can be made by hand in a simple notebook, on a sticky pad with templates that are purchased at the store, or on an online task application such as Microsoft To-Do, Todoist, or Wunderlist.

Whichever route you go, it's fun crossing off a task! And they are disposable when done with! Pace yourself and sort out your tasks by what is manageable at the time. I enjoy having to-do list inserts in my disc-bound notebook, my weekly spread in my bujo, or Microsoft To-Do. When my tasks are complete, I reward myself with a Smoke Sesh!

A Calendar.

Whether is be a desk pad, white board, or a monthly planner, a calendar is perfect for those who enjoy a monthly overview. I am able to see events days, weeks, or months in advance and plan accordingly. I can schedule doctor's appointments, exam dates, paper due dates, girl's day, whatever I have coming up.  I schedule all the due dates outlined in my syllabi in my monthly planner.

If doing a monthly overview by hand is too much for you, there is always the option of going digital. Google Calendar and the Mac Calendar are excellent alternatives. There are some highly rated calendar programs on the AppStore such as Calendar by Luni, Calendar by Readdle, and Google Calendar.

Using a digital calendar, you're able to do calendar blocking by planning out your hours for activities, events, lecture, study, or work. This helps figure out if you have time for other activities or plan self care!

A Planner.

Choosing the perfect planner is a task in itself. Whether you opt for an academic planner such as the Lavish Planner, or a customizable personal planner such as the Happy Planner, you will start to increase productivity. Planners range from simple monthly overviews to incorporating a combination of to do lists, goal setting, daily overviews, meal planning, budget planning, and more. 

A Bullet journal.

If you have been reading for a while, you know by now just how passionate I am about bullet journals. They are my favorite way to stay organized in my job, my classes, and my personal life.

Before I made organization a priority, I was a practicing procrastinator. I would never feel motivated and always left tasks to the absolute last minute. To some degree, I am prone to fall into old habits. The bullet journal is great at keeping me accountable. The reinforcement to complete tasks comes from the creative end result and the satisfaction of crossing off tasks for the day, creating a feedback loop.

The bullet journal combines the to-do lists and the planner in a customizable way, It does take some time from your schedule but the end result can be satisfying. I am an incoming first year, full time, grad student with a job, I have a busy schedule. I created a few spreads to assist me in balancing this new chapter of my life. I was inspired by Pinterest and AmandaRachLee.

• semester overview: an overview of important dates in the semester. 
• before the semester checklist: a checklist to ensure I complete important tasks before the semester begins such as submit financial aid application, submit proof of citizenship, purchase textbooks, etc.
• important contacts: people who's contact information I'll need during the year such as my professor's emails, my department chair's email, the financial aid department number, the school address, etc.
• class schedule: an overview of my schedule for the semester, a great reference for making a weekly/daily schedule.
• class information: important class information such as office hours, email, textbooks, final exam date, etc.
• grades tracker: will be very handy for logging my grades during the semester. Helpful in calculating your final grade or what you need to make on a final exam.

Whichever method of organization you choose, you will become more productive and more motivated to get your assignments done or study. When things have a place, it's amazing how light the load is. When all of your tasks are complete, you're less likely to be stressed under the pressure of it all.

How do you like to get organized for school?