What does it mean to be organized? It can mean different things to different people, but here’s one definition that seems to work pretty well no matter who you are: having your life set up in such a way that you feel in control of your schedule, and so that you never feel overwhelmed or distracted by things that don’t have to get done right this minute. If you’re like most students, though, being organized can seem impossible at times. How do you juggle all your schoolwork and other obligations when there aren’t enough hours in the day?

Getting started
It’s no secret that college students have a ton of work and barely any time to do it in. How you manage your time will be one of the biggest factors in how well you do, so it’s important to take some time out at the beginning of each semester—or every school year—to plan how you’re going to get everything done. Be realistic about your workload, but don’t forget about things like sleep and extracurricular activities. With that said, let’s jump into some specific tips for managing your time like a pro.

1. Keeping your desk clear
It’s easy to get distracted by clutter, so keep your desk clear of unnecessary objects. When things on your desk aren’t clear, it creates a visual distraction, making it difficult for you to concentrate on what you need to do.

2. Keep your room tidy
Remember, if you’re messy and disorganized, it’s going to be hard for you to keep track of your belongings. If you keep everything in its place, then getting ready in the morning will take no time at all—and having a clean room is always more enjoyable than one that’s filled with messes. When it comes down to it, keeping your room tidy is going to make life easier for everyone living under one roof!

3. Have a dedicated study place
If you’re balancing school, extracurricular, and work, it can be difficult to stay organized. One of your best strategies is having an organized study space. Set aside a specific spot for all of your homework and schoolwork so that it doesn’t get mixed up with other things you need to do throughout your day. Find a dedicated space—away from distractions—and designate it as your study area.

4. Set aside time every day to study
Students are busy people, and trying to keep up with schoolwork—not to mention spending time with friends, participating in extracurricular activities, and all of life’s other obligations—can feel like an impossible task. To stay organized and focused on your studies, make sure you’re reserving regular time every day for studying. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed when it comes time to sit down at your desk and get work done.

5. Block out time in your calendar
According to Shawn Achor, professor and author of The Happiness Advantage, one of the easiest ways to feel better on any given day is by blocking out specific time in your calendar just for yourself. You can’t control what happens during that time frame—that’s outside your power—but you can set it aside for you and ensure you’re taking care of yourself.

6. Get up early and make the most of it!
Getting up early isn’t just a popular cliche; it’s actually really good for you. It allows you time in your morning routine to prep, energize, and make yourself focused before your workday even begins. There are no guarantees that waking up early will make you more successful in life, but it definitely won’t hurt. Get up at 6am and use it wisely!

7. Help keeping focus - Use f.lux
Don’t let your screen light ruin your sleep. If you’re using your computer late at night and trying to sleep, then f.lux is a must-have tool for managing your time. This free program automatically adjusts your screen's colors at sunset and sunrise, making it easier for you to fall asleep and wake up naturally every day.

8. Maintain a task list
If you need help organizing all your tasks, there are lots of great apps out there (my personal favorite is Any.do. These tools will not only let you know what needs to be done, but also remind you when it’s time to get started. Another tool in your time-management arsenal? A calendar. If everything is written down and scheduled, there’s no chance that something important will slip through the cracks.

9. Take regular breaks
As we’ve said before, it’s important to take breaks when you feel mentally drained. Also, try not to feel guilty about taking time off—time management is crucial for students because of our schedules and busyness. Try setting a timer on your phone every 90 minutes; when it goes off, give yourself 20 minutes to do whatever you want: read something unrelated to school, work out, call your mom...whatever works best for you.


Time management is important for every professional, but it’s especially crucial for students. Most of your peers are putting in many hours each week studying, so make sure you stay on top of yours. Staying organized will allow you to your time and avoid stress. Make sure you take breaks and reward yourself with some playtime; after all, it’s just as important to have fun while studying!

Read more tips on time management from my blog