By Amy Mellows

Uni life is difficult, many of us get off on the cheap thrills of over commitment on a regular basis, or suffer under the pressure that we aren’t doing enough to stand out from the competition. If this sounds like you, you’ll know organisation skills are vital to survive in this highly caffeinated world, and I have a few of the best tips and tricks to help you continue avoiding that complete mental breakdown.

 

1. Online calendars are your friend:

Using an always-accessible app/website such as Timetree to record every one of your appointments, lectures, meetings and social plans is vital in our modern world. Paper diaries just won’t do, this virtual calendar means that you’ll have access to your plans wherever you have a phone or computer- which is basically everywhere. Timetree has a great range of colours and settings to make busy schedules appear manageable, and reminds you of your plans very morning alongside wellbeing messages to remind you to take it easy, because let’s be real, you need to.

 

2. Be strategic when making plans:

This is an obvious one, if you’re making a lot of plans, meet your friend for coffee in the café next to your 3pm lecture, and just after your X-Media meeting on the floor below. Be strategic when making plans by grouping together activities that take place in the same area on the same days. However make sure you have enough time to move between your events, and bring food and drink in case you don’t have time to stop for lunch (this also saves money on Pret baguettes- it’s becoming a real problem).

 

3. Accessories are Key (and an excuse to go shopping):

Having folders for each of your modules that you regularly file all your notes into, and labelled folders on your laptop to keep any work/reading helps to keep your physical, digital and mental space organised, and will help you when it comes to essays and exams. Get a bag that has enough room for all your stuff, and a sturdy but light water bottle (that won’t leak over all of your stuff) to stay hydrated throughout your long days- don’t forget that phone/ laptop charger too (portable if possible).

 

4. Say Yes but know when to say No:

Saying YES to new commitments is great for your career prospects, but not always for your mental health. You HAVE to find a balance, and learn your limits. Yes you are more resilient than you realise, I promise, but do not let your busy schedule consume you to the point where you are always stressed and unhappy, what’s the point?

 

5. Make time for yourself (I know it’s hard):

Remember you are also at Uni to have a great time, meet new people and live your life the way you want to, so remember to embrace this, and factor in time on your schedule where you can do whatever you want. Don’t be afraid to go on that spontaneous night out, you might regret it at 7AM the morning after, but in the long run they’re the memories you’ll keep from Uni (unless you black out drunk of course).

 

Good luck, and let’s hope one day all the commitments pay off!

 

“Organisation isn’t about perfection; it’s about efficiency, reducing stress and clutter, saving time and money, and improving your overall quality of life”

Christina Scalise