GETTING ORGANISED!
USE A DIARY
Write in your timetabled lessons, use it to plan your work, add deadlines and reminders as you approach a deadline so you remember to get your work in on time. You can also use it to remember your social life (peoples birthdays, holidays etc). Be sure to keep it with you and up to date.
PLAN YOUR WORK ...
before you start it. Make a list of points you want to include before you start a piece of work (especially essays)- if there's a word count then divide it up so you know how much room you have for each point. This will save you a lot of time later.
PLAN YOUR TIME
For Example, if you have 3 weeks to do an essay you can plan to do the reading and planning in the first week, the first draft in the second week and then the finishing touches and read through in the final week). This way, hopefully, you'll be able to avoid rushing through everything at the last minute and being stressed
READ THROUGH YOUR WORK ...
before you hand it in! You'll have time to spot mistakes and notice spellings the spell check can't (e.g from/form).
ORGANISE YOUR BAG ...
each night ready for the next morning. Then you won't be rushing around or forgetting anything important. If you find you forget things for your lessons then write a checklist
USE COLOURS...
to help organise yourself. Different coloured files for each subject, module or unit on your course will make them easier to find in your bag or room At the end of each college day file your notes and handouts in your coloured folders. You need to do this regularly or you will get behind and it will be much more difficult to do. Wear a watch or check the time on your mobile phone regularly so you don't miss the bus or the beginning of class (you can even set an alarm to remind you). Get as much sleep as you need - it is harder to be well organised or concentrate if you are feeling tired and your tutor is not going to be impressed if you fall asleep in class!
If you can think of any other tips you use to help you be organised then please email vplowright@ccn.ac.uk so I can add them to the list.