Whether you study in your room or at the library, concentration and a messy environment do not go hand in hand. Clearing clutter and organizing your work space can relieve stress and maintain focus!

ABCD’s of Organization

• Always plan ahead: Preparation is a big part of staying organized. Keep track of your exams, study sessions and downtime to maximize your day.

• Be consistent: make it a habit to keep your desk tidy. Utilize your lazy Sundays to make sure you are clear of clutter.
• Contain those papers: there is a place for everything, especially notes and assignments on loose-leaf papers. Keep folders or some sort of filing system for each course and leave no paper left behind!
• Delegate: if you live by post-it reminders, decide if the task can be done within minutes, hours, or days. Don’t defer quick tasks! Get them off of your plate and tackle more tedious projects little by little.

Craft your way to organization.
Pen holders

• Toilet paper rolls can be decorated, stacked and glued together to organize your writing utensils. You can even stick the finished piece to the wall using double sided tape.
• Although they may seem like a distant memory, phone books can come in handy nowadays! With this quick tutorial, transform a phone book into a flower-like pen-holder.

Folder/paper organizer

• Find a cardboard box (like a cereal box) and cut an opening on the side. You can strengthen the sides with extra layers of cardboard too! This desk organizer can be decorated with cute wrapping paper or a collage of magazine clippings.

Power strip box

• With cell phone and computer chargers, electrical cords can be a tangled, hazardous mess. Keep your outlets separate with a power strip organizer! All you need is a shoe box and scissors to cut openings for each cord. You can also take it a step further by using bread bag clips with labels for each power source.

In-desk organization

• Ditch the habit of throwing items into your desk drawer and make your own origami desk organizers. You can even have an eco-friendly twist by using newspapers.

For those savvy co-eds, time management skills are a must to organizing your life as well as your desk!