Organize, Please... New Semester

 I've had a few classes already for this semester, and I thought this would be a perfect time to do a little semester organization post.  Most of us are back in school, or heading back fairly soon... there is no better time to get organized for the semester than now.  Don't put off the organization, or you may find yourself struggling mid-semester or too busy to do it later.

The first thing I did when I got back to campus was to organize my closet and drawers of clothes.  I'm a pretty neat person in general, but I must admit that at the end of fall semester, I was too stressed/busy to keep up with my clothes.  I still had summer clothes and I was missing a bunch of shirts (which I found hidden in a pile of sweaters).  Since I was unpacking my suitcase anyway the timing was perfect.  For organizing clothes, I think the best solution is to pull everything out and refold and put back.

I even put new hooks on my walls that I had been meaning to do last semester.  I always put off putting hooks up because I need time to figure out exactly where I need them and what I'll need them for.  I added two little ones for handbags and totes.  I had gotten in the habit of hanging them on my bed post, but it always drove me crazy seeing them.  Now they're out of the way!  I also added one to hang my coat.  I keep most of my coats in the closet, but I love being able to hang one up that I wear frequently... or one that I need to dry after a rain storm!

Don't forget to create new folders for all of your classes.  I've used the same system of filing documents since freshman year.  You can read more about how I organize that here. 

The biggest challenge was tackling my desk.  After TAing for a class, I had accumulated a huge amount of assignments.  I mean, seriously, the stack of papers was tremendous.  I went through my desk and completely over-hauled it.  I threw out old stuff, filed away important things, and refilled staples/paper clips/rubber bands.  This took the most time, but I watched a Netflix documentary and got it done!  It's always refreshing to have a clean desk.

That's a clean happy drawer :-)

Don't forget to read through all of your syllabi!  I find that professors tend to not mention important information and "hide" it in the syllabus.  Reading now and taking note of required formatting, additional assignments, and important dates will save you lower grades in the future.

I have already started my new homework notebook.  I'm using my Maybooks one this semester.  I go through and write down my assignments for the following week, and do the homework during the weekend before.  (I'm missing a class on there because it hasn't met yet!)

Kind of strange, but I like being able to see my complete schedule from my desk.  While I am answering emails and making appointments, I can refer to my class schedule.  I also have updated my Google Calendar!

Last, but not least, paint your nails in a fun back-to-school color!  This is Essie's Case Study!

xoxo