As we head deeper into the school year, students’ schedules are becoming even busier. Between tests, essays, presentations, and for many seniors, college applications, there are so many dates and deadlines to keep up with. It can become way too easy to become overwhelmed and forget certain dates, but luckily there are also dozens of ways to stay organized and keep a clear mind through these busy times. 

It’s time for students to take organizing assignments and events seriously, and put a little more effort and thought into figuring out what system works best for them. 

Almost every student has had that dreaded experience of walking into a class and realising you either forgot to study for an important assessment or finish a crucial project. Being unprepared is the worst feeling, and missing assignments can leave a negative impact on your grade point average. So how do you weather the ever growing storm of assignments and dates? A planner system.

Now, having a planner system doesn’t necessarily mean having a traditional planner. I find that the biggest obstacle in a student’s path to becoming more organized is feeling obligated to do so in a certain way. There are many ways a student can keep track of their assignments, and everyone should figure out what system works best for them. 

Whether it be by using online apps that you can set reminders and alarms on, a traditional weekly or monthly calendar, or a more artsy bullet journal, it’s important to understand which systems suits your needs specifically. Even if your system is as simple as a running to-do list on your phone, if it keeps you from missing your due dates, then it works just fine.  

My preference is bullet journaling and I absolutely adore it. It helps me stay on top of everything, and I feel secure knowing that every date and event I need to know is in my journal. I understand that some may not care for the designs and drawings that come with bullet journaling, but it helps me, and that’s all that matters. 

The fact of the matter is that for students, most of our year is spent at school, filled with assignments and deadlines. It isn’t enough to just hop from one deadline to another, barely managing to remember important dates and events. 

Having a more organised life takes work, and it’s definitely worth it. You’ll start to value your time, and learn to be more efficient with it too. Taking time to find a planner system that works for you is a task that won’t just help you in high school, but all throughout your life and future career.