This will be my last blog entry for your guys regarding organizing your crazy lives. I hope you guys learned some valuable ideas that can help you be better prepared and organized.
If you take only one thing away from this whole blog, please let it be this:
Do not hesitate to ask for help! please please please do not forget this. Put your pride aside and ask for help. Even if you have the slightest doubts, or if you are in way over your head; asking for help is not something to be ashamed of.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Mental Health Days
it is important to remember the mental health of your body as well. It is easy for students to become overwhelmed by the surplus of work they are expected to do. I find that it helps to take a day to yourself once in a while.
**be careful. you may get carried away and gain too many absences. make sure to keep track!
set aside a day, weekend or not, to sleep in. Don't set an alarm. Wake up when your body is ready.
Make a list of things you need to do (academically and otherwise).
Get everything together that you need ie: detergent to do laundry, project supplies, etc.
This way, when you decide to start completing your list, you will have everything in order. This really takes a load off of yourself
By simply doing nothing for a day, you are allowing your body to recharge and relax. This is also a good way for your mind to relax. Don't allow yourself to think about anything academically. You will be surprised how clear your mind will be when you're ready to begin attacking your committments.
**be careful. you may get carried away and gain too many absences. make sure to keep track!
set aside a day, weekend or not, to sleep in. Don't set an alarm. Wake up when your body is ready.
Make a list of things you need to do (academically and otherwise).
Get everything together that you need ie: detergent to do laundry, project supplies, etc.
This way, when you decide to start completing your list, you will have everything in order. This really takes a load off of yourself
By simply doing nothing for a day, you are allowing your body to recharge and relax. This is also a good way for your mind to relax. Don't allow yourself to think about anything academically. You will be surprised how clear your mind will be when you're ready to begin attacking your committments.
Eating Healthy In the Dining Halls
Everyone is familiar with the freshman 15. The myth that students gain 15lbs their first year at college. The dining hall, as well as hectic life schedules, is credited at being the foundation for the weight gain. From greasy french fries and hamburgers, to pasta and dessert, it is easy to get caught up in the unhealthy, mouth watering foods that dining halls have to offer. especially one rated as high as URI.
However there are several smarter choices that you can make when eating at the dining halls on campus. By entering the sandwich line, you have a choice of an array of healthy wraps and breads, as well as fresh cut deli meat. Chicken caesar wraps are a popular choice. They serve as a healthy alternative to burgers and pasta dishes.
Desserts are a hot commodity by college students. Who doesn't love sweets? Brownies, cookies, cake, etc.
A smart alternative to these foods is fruit. It is much healthier, while still satisfying the craving for something sweet.
However there are several smarter choices that you can make when eating at the dining halls on campus. By entering the sandwich line, you have a choice of an array of healthy wraps and breads, as well as fresh cut deli meat. Chicken caesar wraps are a popular choice. They serve as a healthy alternative to burgers and pasta dishes.
Desserts are a hot commodity by college students. Who doesn't love sweets? Brownies, cookies, cake, etc.
A smart alternative to these foods is fruit. It is much healthier, while still satisfying the craving for something sweet.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Teachers Care
Teachers like to know that their students are interested in what they are learning, and they appreciate feeling like they know their students. The best thing you can do at the start of each semester is to go upto your professor and introduce yourself one on one.
This really shows faculty how serious you are about doing well. Chances are good that if you maintain a good relationship with your professor, they will be more inclined to let the little things (absenses, late homework), slide. And we all know we would love that.
Another thing that is important in maintaining a good relationship with your teachers is to visit them during office hours. Any questions you have should be addressed during this time. Once a week really shows that you're trying. Even if you don't have any questions, bring completed homework assignments and have them look over it. These small gestures really will go a long way in boosting your grade. It's no secret how important teachers view participation.
This really shows faculty how serious you are about doing well. Chances are good that if you maintain a good relationship with your professor, they will be more inclined to let the little things (absenses, late homework), slide. And we all know we would love that.
Another thing that is important in maintaining a good relationship with your teachers is to visit them during office hours. Any questions you have should be addressed during this time. Once a week really shows that you're trying. Even if you don't have any questions, bring completed homework assignments and have them look over it. These small gestures really will go a long way in boosting your grade. It's no secret how important teachers view participation.
Study Buddy
While students should attend all of their classes, in reality we all know this rarely happens. In such cases, it is important for students to have a friend, or aquaintance they can get the makeup work from. Many teachers post assignments on a website or a syllabus, but for those who don't, they may not be so willing to email you what youve missed.
By switching emails or phone numbers with another student in the class, you not only gain access to work you have missed, but if something is unclear or you don't understand, they either can help you, or get help with you.
I know I feel awkward sometimes talking to students in my class I don't know, but its important to do so. It's a good life skill to have as well. It's doubtful that if you ask someone to switch information that they say no. It's helping them as well.
By switching emails or phone numbers with another student in the class, you not only gain access to work you have missed, but if something is unclear or you don't understand, they either can help you, or get help with you.
I know I feel awkward sometimes talking to students in my class I don't know, but its important to do so. It's a good life skill to have as well. It's doubtful that if you ask someone to switch information that they say no. It's helping them as well.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Organizing Notes and Study Materials
It is important to have all your study materials properly labeled, with tabs distinctly seperating chapter notes. It is easiest if (in a binder) you put dividers: one for notes, one for homework, and one for tests/quizzes. This way when it comes time to review for tests, finals, etc. you know exactly where to find what youre looking for.
You can get all the materials needed at your local CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. all at the cheapest, price, allowing students on a college budget to afford the proper materials.
It is also important to remember to retype your notes. This not only gives you a neater copy to refer back to, but by typing your notes, you are forced to review the materials a second time. This can be extremely helpful.
You can get all the materials needed at your local CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, etc. all at the cheapest, price, allowing students on a college budget to afford the proper materials.
It is also important to remember to retype your notes. This not only gives you a neater copy to refer back to, but by typing your notes, you are forced to review the materials a second time. This can be extremely helpful.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Schedule this, Schedule That
One of the most important things to remember in college is when you have class, when projects are due, when you have texts, etc.
Agenda books and dry erase white board calenders are two must haves for college students.
The agenda book doesn't need to be big. simply small enough to fit into your backpack, with enough space to be able to record all assignments.
This way, when you return back to your dorm, you can put all your due dates for important projects and tests on the white board, which would most mostly be strategically places to the side of your desk or on the back of your door.
Being organized with your school work is one of the most important things you could do as a college student. It's so simple as well. Statistics have shown that students who are organized are 30% more likely to have assignments done on time, as opposed to students who rush around at the last minute to complete an assignment. Sounds like a statistic i would like to be the 30% of.
Being organized is a self taught trait. Everyone has different niches. Whether it be alphabetizing, or chronologically ordering notes, etc. if you can't figure out what works best for you right away, it's important to not give up.
Agenda books and dry erase white board calenders are two must haves for college students.
The agenda book doesn't need to be big. simply small enough to fit into your backpack, with enough space to be able to record all assignments.
This way, when you return back to your dorm, you can put all your due dates for important projects and tests on the white board, which would most mostly be strategically places to the side of your desk or on the back of your door.
Being organized with your school work is one of the most important things you could do as a college student. It's so simple as well. Statistics have shown that students who are organized are 30% more likely to have assignments done on time, as opposed to students who rush around at the last minute to complete an assignment. Sounds like a statistic i would like to be the 30% of.
Being organized is a self taught trait. Everyone has different niches. Whether it be alphabetizing, or chronologically ordering notes, etc. if you can't figure out what works best for you right away, it's important to not give up.
What Should Really Be In That Backpack
Every student knows how important it is to bring the appropriate materials to class. Why we don't all do so is beyond me.
Here is a quick check list of things to make sure you have before heading off to class.
Obviously you need a backpack. You can get a cheap, but sturdy and reliable bag at target for only $22.99
What goes inside your backpack is just as important as what carries the items.
Aside from having the required books for each course, you should make sure to have
--atleast a one subject notebook for every class. Getting notebooks with perferated edges is suggested, in order to keep your work as neat for your professors as possible.
--a folder or single subject folder is helpful as well. This can hold all the looseleaf papers that professors hand out
--several different writing utensils is a must have as well. some teachers may require you to use number 2 pencils, while others will specifically ask you to use pen.
highlighters and white out are helpful as well: for notetaking purposes
all of these supplies can be found at your local cvs, dollar tree, rite aid, or any convenience type store, all at cheap and reasonable prices, affordable for college students.
Here is a quick check list of things to make sure you have before heading off to class.
Obviously you need a backpack. You can get a cheap, but sturdy and reliable bag at target for only $22.99
What goes inside your backpack is just as important as what carries the items.
Aside from having the required books for each course, you should make sure to have
--atleast a one subject notebook for every class. Getting notebooks with perferated edges is suggested, in order to keep your work as neat for your professors as possible.
--a folder or single subject folder is helpful as well. This can hold all the looseleaf papers that professors hand out
--several different writing utensils is a must have as well. some teachers may require you to use number 2 pencils, while others will specifically ask you to use pen.
highlighters and white out are helpful as well: for notetaking purposes
all of these supplies can be found at your local cvs, dollar tree, rite aid, or any convenience type store, all at cheap and reasonable prices, affordable for college students.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Shoes-A-Palooza
A constant stumper on the best way to be organized is absolutely shoes. They come in all different shapes and sizes, making them difficult to store. Many closets, including my own, look like this.
Yes, I am admitting that I have no idea how to properly store shoes. My roommate has a system that seems to work for her.
I have pondered this idea for years. For a while I stored my shoes in their original shoe boxes, and stacked them. That worked for quite some time, but then the boxes began to take up too much space, leading me to need a new method. For a while I tried the shoe rack on the closet door like my roommate, but this was short lived.
So now I am officially stumped. If anyone has any ideas, pleaseee im begging you to share. I need to stop this shoe catastrophe.
Yes, I am admitting that I have no idea how to properly store shoes. My roommate has a system that seems to work for her.
I have pondered this idea for years. For a while I stored my shoes in their original shoe boxes, and stacked them. That worked for quite some time, but then the boxes began to take up too much space, leading me to need a new method. For a while I tried the shoe rack on the closet door like my roommate, but this was short lived.
So now I am officially stumped. If anyone has any ideas, pleaseee im begging you to share. I need to stop this shoe catastrophe.
What Closet Space?
Being a college age female, I find that most of my clothes are hanging up in my closet. This was not easy to do in a dormstyle of living however. Being the neat freak that I am, I have my tops color coordinated, beginning with white and ending with black. I then have my jeans hanging from light to dark, followed by dresses and jackets. I have very little closet space in my sorority house. I found the best way to utilize this space is by purchasing ultra thin velvet hangers. The hangers maximize your closet space by shrinking the space that hangers would normally take up. So your closet are more compact. Here is what to look for at the store.
These sell for about $10 for a package of ten. They are made out of velvet to prevent clothes from falling off the hanger.
Another way to help utilize closet space is to put in a shelving unit. While you probably cant drill holes into your closet at school, there are other ways to go about doing this. They make stand up shelving units that can be placed on the floor of your closet. You can fold any type of clothing and stack it inside the cubes. They make several different kinds as well. They have sold plastic singular cubes which can be stacked, or wire cubes that are already attached to one another. You will have to choose which works best for you.
Here is one example of what to look for.
Another great way to utilize your closet space is to purchase a rack to hang over the side of your closet door, preferably on the outside as to not take up unnecessary space within the closet. I have one, and it is a life saver. I hang my purse, sweatshirts, scarfs, umbrellas, hats, and anything else you could think of. These are extremely cost efficient as well and can be found at walmart for under $20.
Here is an example of one may look like.
These sell for about $10 for a package of ten. They are made out of velvet to prevent clothes from falling off the hanger.
Another way to help utilize closet space is to put in a shelving unit. While you probably cant drill holes into your closet at school, there are other ways to go about doing this. They make stand up shelving units that can be placed on the floor of your closet. You can fold any type of clothing and stack it inside the cubes. They make several different kinds as well. They have sold plastic singular cubes which can be stacked, or wire cubes that are already attached to one another. You will have to choose which works best for you.
Here is one example of what to look for.
Another great way to utilize your closet space is to purchase a rack to hang over the side of your closet door, preferably on the outside as to not take up unnecessary space within the closet. I have one, and it is a life saver. I hang my purse, sweatshirts, scarfs, umbrellas, hats, and anything else you could think of. These are extremely cost efficient as well and can be found at walmart for under $20.
Here is an example of one may look like.
Utilizing the Space Under Your Bed
As we already know, the space in our dorm rooms is very limited. We most likely have to share that space with a roommate as well. I have found that the easiest place to make more space is under the bed. I purchased bedrisers at target for $20.
This gave me 8 bedrisers. I was able to stack 2 under each leg of the bed. This opened up space for several pieces of tupperware. In those pins I put all of my towels, as well as any snacks. I have plenty of space for luggage if I'm planning on visiting friends, as well as any other odds and ends. You can buy tupperware drawers to put under the bed as well. This drastically helps the need for more closet space. You can fold jeans, pajamas, tops, jackets, sweatshirts or any other accessories that need their own place.
Everyone comes into my room this semester and immediately remarks on how high up my bed is. While some may find it a hassle to get into bed every night, I find that the inconvenience is minimal compared to the positive outcomes. I have no clutter anywhere within my room. I even have 2 empty drawers, which I pla nto fill with new clothes ;) haha
While everyone remarks upon how high up my bed is, everyone also makes a comment on how they wish their bed was this high. No one seems to have enough room for anything under their bed.
Below is a few pictures of different ways to organize under your bed.
This gave me 8 bedrisers. I was able to stack 2 under each leg of the bed. This opened up space for several pieces of tupperware. In those pins I put all of my towels, as well as any snacks. I have plenty of space for luggage if I'm planning on visiting friends, as well as any other odds and ends. You can buy tupperware drawers to put under the bed as well. This drastically helps the need for more closet space. You can fold jeans, pajamas, tops, jackets, sweatshirts or any other accessories that need their own place.
Everyone comes into my room this semester and immediately remarks on how high up my bed is. While some may find it a hassle to get into bed every night, I find that the inconvenience is minimal compared to the positive outcomes. I have no clutter anywhere within my room. I even have 2 empty drawers, which I pla nto fill with new clothes ;) haha
While everyone remarks upon how high up my bed is, everyone also makes a comment on how they wish their bed was this high. No one seems to have enough room for anything under their bed.
Below is a few pictures of different ways to organize under your bed.
The Best Way to Organize Your Desktop
One of the biggest problems us college students are faced with is keeping our school work organized. Since the main area for studying is at a desk, piles seem to build up all around us and our laptops. This is exactly the case for my roommate. She has stacks of single leaf papers strewn about, as well as makeup and hair products cluttering her work space. How do you expect to produce efficient academic work if you're distracted by surrounding clutter? It's simply too much.
I keep my desktop workspace immaculate. I have space for my laptop, printer, lamp, a table top calender, and a file folder to hold my books. However I was poking around online the other day and found a very convenient shelving unit that I feel would serve as an even better organizer for your desk tops. Below is a picture.
This is a shelving unit that goes over your desktop, with space for texts books, notebooks, folders, binders, cds, your lap top, a printer, and anything else you feel is needed. By elevating most of your materials, you are given a much freer amound of space to work with. I know that next semester I wil be purchasing this to help me stay even better organized.
You can buy this product at your local walmart for around $35.
I keep my desktop workspace immaculate. I have space for my laptop, printer, lamp, a table top calender, and a file folder to hold my books. However I was poking around online the other day and found a very convenient shelving unit that I feel would serve as an even better organizer for your desk tops. Below is a picture.
This is a shelving unit that goes over your desktop, with space for texts books, notebooks, folders, binders, cds, your lap top, a printer, and anything else you feel is needed. By elevating most of your materials, you are given a much freer amound of space to work with. I know that next semester I wil be purchasing this to help me stay even better organized.
You can buy this product at your local walmart for around $35.
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