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Have you ever fallen off track? Maybe you got sick one week and lost track of your assignments; maybe you got distracted by a part-time job or let procrastination get the best of you. From one Buff to another—these organization tips will help you achieve a successful semester with a lower stress level. 

Fall into a routine 

Routines are a great way to stay on track. Everyone is different, so it is important to create a routine that works for you. 

Some people enjoy starting their day off with a brisk walk. Others may prefer a warm cup of coffee and setting their intentions. Either way, a routine is a great way to start and end the day right.

Falling into a routine will help you feel more comfortable with the tasks ahead, and sticking to the routine will increase the likelihood that important responsibilities are fulfilled each day. 

Use a calendar 

Whether you prefer a digital or physical copy, calendars are very helpful for knowing important dates and organizing your routine. 

is great for organizing your classes and work schedule. If you choose, it can even send out notifications such appointment reminders, when to leave for a class and more. 

If you're not tech savvy, a physical calendar will do just fine. The has a vast collection of planners and calendars for you to choose from. A planner can be taken on the go, whereas a hanging calendar can be hung up at home so you know what tasks lie ahead each week.  

Create an assignment to-do list 

Have you ever missed an assignment due date? Doing an assignment the night before is extremely stressful, and cramming for an exam is not the best way to absorb information. These methods will lead to exhaustion and decreased productivity the next day. 

To avoid an overwhelming study session, keep on top of tasks with a to-do list. Writing assignments down each week or month will ensure you have enough time to complete assignments.

Spread out intimidating tasks 

Some people procrastinate and find themselves trying to do a month-long assignment the night before it’s due—a stressful situation for most people. Avoid this problem by spreading out large tasks rather than taking them on all at once. 

If you have a 10-page paper coming up, tackle the assignment by spreading it out over multiple days/weeks. It's also great to schedule in some time for outlining, proofreading, peer review and more. This approach will help you be less overwhelmed and turn in your best work. 

Prepare the night before 

If you find yourself panicking each morning while trying to get your bag together, this tip may be for you: Take some time each night to prepare for the day ahead.

Some ways to prepare the night before may be laying out clothes, packing your school bag, taking a shower and more. Some people even schedule their coffee to brew at a certain time. This way you won’t find yourself rushing in the morning, which can often lead to forgetting your essential materials. 

Implement downtime 

Getting enough sleep and downtime each day is essential to staying organized. How are you going to take care of daily tasks if your physical and mental health isn’t taken care of? Take some time for yourself. This could be as simple as getting enough hours of sleep each night or making time to watch an episode of your favorite Netflix series. 

Staring at an assignment too long can be stressful and unproductive. Sometimes you may need to step away so you can come back with a fresh set of eyes. Self-care is often the first step on the journey to organization.