College can be overwhelming, especially when you're juggling classes, work, family, and other responsibilities. A recent survey found that students spend an average of 17 hours a week preparing for class. That's a lot of time, and without good planning and time management, it’s easy to feel stressed.

The good news is that there are simple tools and strategies you can use to stay organized and improve your time management skills. With the right approach, you can balance your responsibilities and keep up with your coursework more effectively.

To stay on top of your college workload, follow these tips:

1.) Start your work early

If you often wait until the last minute to start assignments, it's time to change that habit. Procrastinating adds unnecessary stress and doesn’t give you enough time to do your best work. Plus, you might forget about assignments and miss deadlines. Start important projects as soon as possible, and create a plan to finish them before they are due. This will help you avoid last-minute panic, ensure you have time for revisions, and allow you to get extra help if needed.

2.) Make to-do lists

Writing down tasks in a daily to-do list helps you stay on track with assignments and other commitments. Studies show that when you write things down, you're more likely to remember them. Instead of letting your to-do list crowd your mind, relieve some stress by putting everything on paper. Include everything from checking your email to remembering exam dates and homework. If it’s something you might forget, write it down.

3.) Use a digital planner

Time management apps can help you stay organized and on top of your tasks. The myHomework app is a digital planner designed specifically for students. It keeps track of your assignments and reminders on your phone, so you don’t need a paper list. You can even set alerts for upcoming deadlines, ensuring you won’t forget about anything important.

Another great tool is Evernote, a note-taking app where you can store all your notes and to-do lists in one place. It supports various formats like audio, video, and PDFs. Plus, Evernote makes it easy to collaborate with classmates, which is perfect for group projects.

4.) Prioritize your tasks

Prioritizing your to-do list is crucial for managing your time well. Start by focusing on the most urgent assignments and getting them done first. Tasks that aren’t as time-sensitive, like running errands, can wait until you have more free time. By prioritizing, you’ll avoid spending too much time on things that aren’t due soon and make sure you’re meeting deadlines.

5.) Focus on school first

When things get busy, remember that your schoolwork should come before other activities. Putting off assignments to hang out with friends or take on extra shifts at work can cause stress later. Starting your work early will help you stay on track and make it easier to manage all your responsibilities.

6.) Set a weekly organization day

Pick one day each week to get organized and plan for the week ahead. Sunday works well for many people since it's before the new week starts, but choose a day that fits your schedule. You don’t need to spend the whole day—just one hour to review your upcoming assignments and set your priorities will help you stay focused and clear on what needs to be done.

7.) Find a study partner

Having a study buddy can make a big difference in staying on top of your work. A friend in class will help keep you accountable and encourage you to get your assignments done on time. It also makes studying for exams and working on projects easier because you can collaborate, share ideas, and ask each other questions. Joining or forming a study group is another great way to avoid procrastination and prepare more effectively for exams.

8.) Take breaks

One of the most important tips is to take breaks. College life can be hectic, and stepping away from your work for a bit is essential. Taking short breaks between tasks helps you avoid burnout. Never sacrifice your well-being to get assignments done. If you’re feeling stressed, take a quick break, then come back to your work refreshed. This approach can make your final work stronger and more thoughtful.

Balancing school with the rest of your life is challenging, but making small changes to your routine can help. Starting your assignments early, using tools like Study Help Me for quick, custom assignment help, and staying organized will set you up for success. By following these tips now, you’ll be on your way to a more productive and manageable year!