How to Organize Your Schedule This Semester
You have probably had first set of classes for the semester. What do you think? Does it seem fun or otherwise? First week, and already looking busy? Be rest assured that it will get busier. Lol, no fears. Sometimes, it can seem overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to organize your schedule through the semester:
Credits: Moa Karlberg/imagebank.sweden.se
By Amaraizu Genius
What Works for You
Everyone is unique and what works for each and everyone might often be slightly different. The first step in organizing your schedule is to learn what works best for you. By this, I mean, what are the platforms, materials, styles that you can embrace and it perfectly serves the purpose of scheduling for you. While some might prefer using their mobile phones or mobile applications or even PC, others want to feel, touch and see their calendar in paper. Scheduling on electronic platforms has its own advantages, which include but not limited to receiving a notification or reminder on what you need to do at a particular time. Likewise, using paper stickers on your wall, or some form of sticker notes might work better for you – especially if you love to have a more tangible notification by sight. Understand the system that works for you, that’s the point.
Outline Your Priorities
I am here to tell you the truth, and nothing but the truth. Your academics is the “number one” priority. Depending on your program of study, it will likely get intense in the coming weeks. You might be faced with assignments upon assignments or even monthly exams. Having your academic calendar on your wall or your mobile app/computer calendar is the first step, and this should be followed by developing a study timetable. This is one good way to be ahead, and thanks to the structure of learning at Södertörn University; here your entire reading list is made available weeks before your course start. Read ahead – make it part of your calendar, a top priority.
However, there are other categories of priorities and these can include cooking, cleaning of your apartment, daily exercise or even keeping in touch with friends and family on phone or social media. Categorize these priorities properly, outline them and be sure of things that don’t deserve to make the list. And of course, sometimes you may have random tasks that are neither urgent or difficult to complete. You can segment such tasks according to their own levels of priorities and record them somewhere in your calendar. These tasks may include meeting a friend for fika or taking a ride to the city or even returning a book to the library.
Credits: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se
Everyday To-Do list
In fact, an everyday To-Do list is your strongest part of achieving your organized schedule. Part of my morning routine is to pick a pen and my notebook and write down the To-Do for the whole day. In some cases that I am not sure of some random tasks that could still be part of my day, I focus on my prioritized activities. If that will not work, I simple develop and work with a To-Do list that covers the next 12hours of my day, and when completed, I develop the next one. I do not make the mistake of keeping my To-Do list just in my brain, I write them down, and mark each completed task. You can organize this using a mobile application too, or the note in your computer or mobile.
All Work and No play…
It’s a popular idiom: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It is so true that if your schedule is completely filled with tough tasks ranging from reading to classes to study groups to library and laboratory visits, it will take a toll on you. First, you need to schedule self-care alongside your academic priorities. It could be in the form of medical checks or gym visits or even long walks in nature or some sort of break time activity and rest. A good way of keeping this healthy and balanced culture is by incentivizing yourself. You could develop a reward strategy for every tough task you complete. For example, you could give yourself 2 hours of Netflix for completing a task. If you love parties, then you can reward yourself by honouring a party invite or hanging out with friends.
You need help? Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amaraizugenius
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Amaraizu Genius is an International Student Ambassador at Södertörn University
Page updated
06-09-2021