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What are the best ways to stay organized and not become overwhelmed with coursework as a college freshman?

I am about to go to college in the fall, and I am worried about maintaining a healthy work schedule without falling behind.

college spring25 college-advice time-management college-bound work-life-balance
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Steven’s Answer

Take notes! Carry a small notebook and jot everything down. Writing things helps you remember them! Create categories and topics, and adjust as needed. Check off items as you complete them. Add important topics to your list. Review often, and don't hesitate to reorganize if necessary. It's like tidying up!
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Chidi’s Answer

Hi Nenea,
The good thing about college is that it's structured to automatically help you manage your time. For instance, all your classes are already scheduled on a weekly basis for the semester. Next, you should also schedule for teacher assistant sessions as needed. Most importantly, schedule some down time for yourself so that you don't burn out. You don't need to study 24/7; no one does. And, lastly, don't underestimate the importance of a good sleep each night; you should aim for 6-8 hours typically. The calendar app on your phone and/or tablet is your greatest asset for your college journey. Wishing you all the best in college. Study hard, but also have some fun!
Chidi D. (Verizon Engineer)
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Steven’s Answer

Planning, structure, focus, and dedication will assist in keeping work, fun, and home balanced. Be willing to have a plan and know it can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Don't beat yourself up if something is missed just pick it up where you left off and keep going.
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Alisa’s Answer

Hi Nenea! First off, a big congratulations on everything you've achieved so far—it's truly amazing! Here are some friendly tips that might help you out:

Try using calendars and planners to keep things organized. Set a regular study routine and tackle the most important stuff first. Give digital note-taking a shot and keep your class materials tidy to stay on track. Set specific times for studying and doing your assignments. Make a list of all your assignments and sort them by due date and importance. Focus on one thing at a time. Use a separate folder or binder for each class to keep your notes, handouts, and assignments in order. Take care of your mental and physical health by getting enough sleep, eating well, and finding healthy ways to deal with stress. Remember, looking after yourself is super important because you can't do your best if you don't take care of yourself first. You've got this, and I wish you lots of blessings!
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Joyce’s Answer

Work you homework assignments when you first get them or the next day. Don't wait until the last minute to do your studies. You never know what assignment may come up in another class that's going to take up a lot of your time. The key is to stay ahead as much as possible. You can do it. Just believe in yourself.
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Ce’s Answer

Hi Nenea, Welcome to your exciting college adventure! Staying organized can be simple. The trick is to find a rhythm and method that work for you. Start by making a schedule or using a mobile calendar to keep track of your classes, homework deadlines, and important events. Spend 5 minutes each morning planning your to-do list and break big goals into smaller steps so you won't feel overwhelmed. Also, manage your time wisely to avoid getting too tired. Remember to make time for yourself to rest and relax. Whether it's exercising, hanging out with friends, or just chilling, these activities can help recharge your energy!
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Tracey’s Answer

I have a child who recently start college as well. One thing learned is, don't layer all your hardest classes first semester. You are just starting out. Especially if college meant leaving home. Your schedule for courses is set, now you need to find time for studying, professor and TA appointments, work, oh yes, life too. Often times with Midterms or Finals you need to learn to adjust your schedule. Also let's say you are acing English but you need more time and help with Calculus. You need to realign that schedule. It is a good preparation for real life.
Use an organizer or even your phone to visually see that schedule. Schedule a time for life's activities, meals, laundry, a walk, a phone call home. There are 24 hours in a day. Some of that time needs to be spent getting some rest as well. College like high school is a progression. One course feeds into the next so prepare as you go. Good luck and best wishes on your ojurney.
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Jennifer’s Answer

A planner is your best friend! Whether you choose a digital planner or a physical one, having a plan is super helpful. Think about what suits you best. If you prefer writing things down, a planner book might be perfect. Set up a daily schedule with study times to stay on top of your work. Remember to add in some exercise, even if it's just a walk. A healthy body keeps your mind sharp!

Find a study spot outside your dorm room. College campuses have so many great places to choose from. Pick one that feels good to you. Join study groups and visit your professors during office hours if you need help. They can make things much clearer in a one-on-one chat.

And here's a big tip: Don't procrastinate! Doing things last minute is stressful and doesn't help. You've got this! You're going to do amazing!
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Kelli’s Answer

Hello, This is great question as coursework can definitely pile up and become overwhelming if your not planning accordingly. One thing I always found helpful for me when planning out my schedule was at beginning of each session was to read each syllabus carefully as well as course calendar and map out my assignments on the calendar. I prefer pen and paper but also can do digital if you prefer. This helped me visualize it better and know when my heavier loads. That why I could see where the bulk of work was due and how to distribute it evenly throughout the week so not to get two overwhelmed. example having two papers due same week etc. By breaking up into smaller chunks this also helped me from procrastinating and trying to write a paper all in one day to meet deadline. Just plan ahead, pace yourself and stay on task and it will be fine. Also remember with everything that is new sometimes it takes time and making mistakes to help learn and grow and know what not to do next time so give yourself some grace!! Best of luck to you as you start your College career!!
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Kevin’s Answer

Here are some of the best ways to stay organized and manage your coursework as a college freshman:

Use a planner or calendar: Digital or physical, find a system that works for you and consistently schedule your classes, assignments, study time, and even social events.
Break down large tasks: Large assignments can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable chunks with their own deadlines.
Prioritize tasks: Determine which assignments are most important or urgent and tackle those first.
Develop a consistent study schedule: Even if it’s just an hour a day, having dedicated study time helps you stay on top of your workload.
Find a study space that works for you: Whether it’s the library, a quiet coffee shop, or your dorm room, having a designated study area can minimize distractions.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Professors, TAs, and academic advisors are there to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling with coursework or feeling overwhelmed.
Take breaks: It might seem counterintuitive, but taking short breaks can actually improve your focus and productivity.
Practice time management: Learn to estimate how long tasks will take and budget your time accordingly.
Stay organized: Keep your notes, assignments, and study materials organized to avoid wasting time searching for things.
Take care of yourself: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. A healthy body and mind are essential for academic success.
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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Nenea. First congratulations on the next part of your learning journey!! and good for you for wanting to start on the right foot.

Much of being successful in college is about have good time management skills. In my opinion, good time-management skills include being and staying well-organized.

For some people, staying organized includes actually writing out their day and then "checking the box" when they have completed something.

For others staying organized means reviewing the syllabus for each class and marking certain dates on a calendar like midterms, home work assignments, finals, "do I need to go to the lab/library and if so, what are the hours of operation"?

Once you get past the core school stuff, you may want to color code the other must dos like "when do i eat"? or "when do i do laundry"?

In general, using some sort of visual that helps you see what your weeks look like and what each day for each week looks like can help guide you on where you have too much and where you can shift things around. After a while, your schedule becomes routine and you will learn where you can make easy ( ie doesn't cause stress if you need to change things) adjustments.

Best bet...make an attempt to get yourself organized early in the school year. You will be glad you did.

Congrats and best of luck!
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Bryan’s Answer

Great question Nenea! The fact that you are concerned is a great sign. That should mean that you won't let yourself get behind! However, the transition can be tough for some due to the freedom of not having parents/guardians/teachers around to remind and track your study habits. A phone calendar can be extremely helpful to schedule specific times for studying, classes and free time. Also, make and track to do lists so you don't forget anything. And make sure to stay on top of things from the jump. It can get progressively worse if you let yourself get behind. If you don't understand something, never be afraid to go to office hours! That is what the professors are there for. It can help you get the answers you need, as well as let the professor know you are putting the forth the effort, and just let them know your name if you are dealing with larger than normal class sizes. You will do great!
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