Time Management and Organization

We all have multiple demands on our time and there are often more things that we want/have to do than we can fit into our day. There isn't a single system that works for everyone but the information below is tried and true. Adjust it to your circumstances as you experiment and learn what works for you.

Setting Priorities

To deal with competing demands and opportunities, you have to decide what it most important to you.

Organization 101

Use a Planner or Calendar App

Put due dates and exam dates in as soon as you know them. Break large assignments down into steps, each with a due date

Use a Filing System

If you are taking handwritten notes, you will probably take a clipboard to class because there won't be room on the tables/desks for binders. You should use a binder for each class and store notes and assignments chronologically. Use transparent binder pockets to keep returned exams and assignments. If you class has a lab, use dividers to create a separate section for those materials.

If you are typing notes on your laptop, create a digital file system and back it up to a cloud service. USask students get 1TB or storage on OneDrive. Labeling items with the date can be helpful. E.G. 2020-OCT-8 ENG 112 Notes.

There are half lockers and mini lockers available for rent at STM. This can save you from hauling a backpack full of textbooks and binders around all day. Your future self will appreciate the lack of back pain.

Class Contacts

Having one or two phone and email contacts in a class is better than spamming everyone with a "I need notes from Wednesday" email. Yes, that means you will have to get to know somebody in each of your classes. Remember to put the class along with the person's name in your contacts. E.G. Richard Martin (POLS 112) 306-555-5555 abc123@usask.ca