Remembering List Tips from an NYU Student!
So many things to keep track of, so little time. Here are some resources I wish I had known about earlier in my college career!
As a soon-to-be senior at New York University, it took me a while to get into the swing of things and truly understand the meaning of “organization”. When assignments, quizzes, exams, and projects keep coming, it can be hard to take a step back and save yourself that extra last-minute stress because you can’t see the value of doing so. But, I can guarantee that it is worth it when you slow down and organize before getting swamped with more school work. Check out some of my favorite tips and tools for organization below.
Now this is really the all-in-one workplace. You can have separate places for your classes, schedules, and there are tons of templates that you can choose from, ranging from job applications (to keep track of your internship applications, due dates, etc.) to timetable schedules (to keep track of when your classes are). My favorite ones are the checklists. I had a checklist for every class, and as I went through the semester, I was able to check off each item I completed and passed through. I also attached the proper readings within each item on these checklists so that I could find my readings and assignments easier without having to dig through the syllabus every week.
This one is for those who have trouble paying attention (like me). As you’re working through tons of projects, it can be hard to stay focused, and I can definitely get easily distracted. I would go on TikTok, and then the time would pass by, and my efficiency would plummet drastically. This is where Pomodoro comes in. The technique was introduced to me by the Internet, and it is a way to segment out your productivity. So, there would be 25 minutes of work, and a 5 minute short break. If this cycle doesn’t work for you, you can also manage your own schedule and make the Pomodoro custom-set to your liking, which is always great. But this way, you’re keeping organized with the help of a tool that keeps you on track and on your way to accomplishing your goals and being proud of yourself!
Exercise Break
Not a tool, but this semester, especially being remote, I’ve found solace in exercising before my next class or before starting a new assignment. This helps keeps my spirit up and keeps me staying hydrated and ready to face a few hours of work. I love to do cardio because it keeps my heart rate up and gives me a little more energy compared to when I’m sitting on Zoom in classes all day. Even just a quick ten minute workout can make all the difference! This is a technique that has definitely uplifted my efficiency, increased my energy, and overall made me more productive!
Lists and Doing Ahead of Time
At times, even with Notion, I can lose track of what assignments I have at what time, especially with a heavier class load and during the high-rush seasons of midterms and finals. This is when there is an ultimate swamp of projects, assignments, and exams. Projects are especially hard because in collaboration with others (especially remotely), you have to be mindful and remember where the meetings are taking place and when. This is another thing to keep track of on top of all of those assignments and exams that you need to keep in mind. These lists can just be something like a little Post-It note that you list out all of the deadlines and meeting times for one particular class. Or it can be something like project ideas and requirements that just came to you while you were doing something else. This can cut some time in ideation and brainstorming when you already have an idea for a big assignment. Small lists like these just to keep you sane and have you believe that you’re organized can serve as a great reminder on your way to finishing the semester up with a bang.
Change of Scenery
This one’s my favorite, especially with COVID and remote learning. It can be very tiring facing the same laptop screen everyday with the same background, and sometimes it catches up to you. This is why it’s important to explore, take walks, exercise, and also maybe find a new place to study. On nicer days, it can be relaxing to take your class outside in the sun and in the grass, on other days, it might be nicer to chill in a coffee shop with a cold brew and get to work. This is one of my favorite ways to study because when I’m outside, I feel the need to complete my work and accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself that day. It keeps me in check and I’m more motivated to do a good job. My favorite cafe to do so is The Bean near Astor Place! The coffee might not be the best, but the scenery and setting is perfect for cozy studying.
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