Organization is key to a successful college career

From comforters to clothes and floor rugs to first-aid kits, a collegebound student’s shopping list can make any parent’s head spin.

But while decorating and organizing a dorm room may seem like a priority, college students will quickly discover that organization shouldn’t end once the refrigerator is stocked and the shower supplies are stowed away.

“For a lot of kids, even extremely bright kids, their biggest challenge is being organized,” said Mary Smith, Christian Academy Schools superintendent.

The Sidney-area school offers an organizational workshop as part of its senior leadership series.

“Getting organized is absolutely the right step to take as they enter college,” Smith said.

Personal organizer and productivity trainer Janet Jackson has conducted such workshops and has been approached by parents who want to help their college-bound sons or daughters get organized.

“The more organized you are, the more successful you will be in college,” Jackson said. “You can be the best writer in the world, but if you don’t get the paper turned in on time, it doesn’t matter.”

According to Jackson, college students should focus on three key areas: their time, their to-do lists and incoming information.

Managing your time

There are classes and meetings to attend, papers to write and exams to study for. But that’s just the beginning as organizations, clubs and athletic teams might also be vying for a college student’s attention. And then, of course, there is a new and exciting social life to work into the schedule.

“You want to get involved, but not too involved,” Jackson said.

Jackson vividly remembers the advice she received from her college economics professor.

“He told us that for every hour we spend in class, we should spend two hours out of class working on course work,” she said. “So, if you’re taking 12 hours, that equates to almost a full time job — a 36-hour work week.”

Jackson stresses the importance of utilizing two important time management tools: a calendar and a timer.

All activities and assignments should be noted in your calendar as soon as you are aware of them so there are no surprises. If you keep appointments electronically, make sure to back them up regularly.

Students can use a timer to focus their attention on specific tasks. Close the door, turn off the cell phone, set the timer and work on a paper for 30 uninterrupted minutes. Take a short break, reset the timer and read a chapter for a class or study.

Managing to-dos

Jackson suggests starting with an in box for all incoming items. Students should also have followup files for pertinent information.

The process is where the real work begins. It’s all about making decisions. There are five possibilities for items in your inbox or your email, for that matter: 1. Discard, 2. Delegate, 3. Do immediately (items that require two minutes or less to complete), 4. File for follow-up or 5. File for reference. Follow-up items should be prioritized daily.

Managing to-dos is about more than success in the classroom. Students will have critical dates throughout the school year, from course registration to job interviews and financial aid deadlines to adviser appointments. Missing an important to-do could mean getting shut out of a class or losing out on scholarship dollars.

Managing information

There are two basic types of information students will need to manage: contacts and class notes.

Jackson urges students to create one place to keep all contacts — whether it’s a calculus professor or an internship adviser. And, if it’s saved electronically, make sure to back it up.

Class materials can be kept in a binder, notebook or electronically, just make sure they are kept together. These materials should include syllabi, class notes, project and paper assignments as well as returned work.

The same system should be utilized if you are a member of a club or organization. Keep the materials together for easy reference.

“The key is to go to school with a plan. It can always be adjusted,” Jackson said. “This is a perfect time to start and develop good habits.”