Easy Binder Organization

Since starting college how I organized my classwork has changed drastically. Folders and spirals for the first time in forever (they'll be music, they'll be fun... sorry but I couldn't resist a Frozen reference). 

And this new system really works well for me. It's much friendlier on my back! Now that I'm carrying around so many textbooks, binders were really out of the question. Although I have had at least one "looseleaf textbook" each semester due to the sheer size of the book (this semester it's actually just 100+ page financial report we're working with all semester); in which case I would only put a spiral and the chapters we were working on in it.  

But in High School, I used a very different system that I loved. Each class had a binder and each binder was set up the same way using 5 dividers with tabs.

The first divider was labelled "To Do" and is exactly what the name implied: it housed my homework for that night which was often a worksheet or packet section. I also put any homework calendars, monthly/unit overview sheets, or project rubrics here. (Once my homework was finished I would put it right before the "To Do" so it was easy to find.) 

The second divider was labelled "Current Topic" and is, again, very self explanatory. Any notes, handouts, or finished homework from the chapter or unit being worked on went here and was always in chronological order.

The third divider was labelled "Past Topics." Basically once we were tested on the "Current Topic" that section was moved here. This was really nice when it came time for midterms/finals because all the notes were here and uncluttered.

The fourth divider was labelled "Reference." This was almost always the smallest binder section and usually housed the course syllabus and anything that would be used consistently throughout the semester. Some examples being the Periodic Table in Chemistry, formula sheets in Physics or math classes, special grammar handouts for French, etc. 

The final divider was labelled "Paper" and you guessed it, it had plenty of looseleaf stocked up.

This method was fantastic because I always knew where to find my homework (both To Do and to turn in), to look for notes from last class, and to not worry about misplacing my syllabus because they were in their assigned spots.

What do you use for your class organization system? 

What's In My Agenda

So this is a follow up to another post about how I organize my baby agenda. First, a disclaimer: these are tips and tricks that work FOR ME, customization is key to lasting organization. I suggest you at least try them but if you know one of these tips will not work with your lifestyle skip it or adapt it and find something that does work. Now, let's get started.

- To organize an agenda or planner you first need to get an agenda! It doesn't have to super fancy or expensive but I do suggest an actual planner over a simple notebook. I have this Five Star one from Mead and it's perfect! 

I love the vertical layout and simple cover but if horizontal chunks and Lilly Pulitzer, Jonathan Adler, or your school's agenda are more your speed go for because this thing is going to be with you for a LONG time!

- Next comes the color coding aka my favorite part! At the beginning of the semester I assign each of my classes and activities a color. Everything related to it is that color: it's folder, spiral, and highlighter. When I see a green box next to something on my To Do list I immediately know it's for MKTG345.

-  Finally, use your planner! WRITE STUFF DOWN! It should be one of the first things you put in your backpack and one of the first things you pull out in class or when you sit down to study, do homework, etc. And the (in my opinion) most fun part, CROSS STUFF OFF! Seeing the fruits of your efforts is super fulfilling and excellent motivation. 

What are some of your agenda organizing tips?

What's in My Backpack?

The Spring Semester is in now in full swing! Today I figured I would show what I keep in my backpack. I love these kind of posts!

My Backpack: I got this black Heckler for Christmas 2011 and I love it! North Face is an awesome, quality brand; a little over two year's with this puppy and it's still strong as ever! I also like the classic black color because it will always match what I'm wearing.

What goes with me everyday. Not pictured: Sunnies

My Agenda: In high school I usually just bought the $5 school agenda that was sold during registration but last year I got one from Target that I absolutely loved! It's a Five Star academic-year planner from Mead. I realized the vertical layout isn't for everyone but it's perfect for me; it feels like there's a lot more space to work with! I also love the check boxes to see what I've done and what I have yet to down. (Another post later on how I organized my baby agenda.) 

Pencil Pouches: I really love using cosmetic bags because they're lined to protect from makeup spills which translates perfectly for pen and highlighter explosions. They also tend to be more fun than regular pencil pouches. Vera Bradley, Lilly Pulitzer, and Kate Spade are great places to start looking.

One is full of pens and pencils, an eraser, a flashdrive, Sharpies, Wite-Out minis, scissors, and a mini stapler. The other holds my graphing calculator. I also have a financial calculator.

Highlighters: Along with my agenda these are my babies! I use them everyday to organized my notes and classes!

My Waterbottle: I drink A LOT of water and love having my trusty Camelbak on me at all times.

Books and supplies for my Tuesday/Thursday classes.

My Umbrella: Rain seems to come out of nowhere in Louisiana, I like to have my umbrella on me incase a downpour strikes! Mine was a Christmas gift last year and is from Jonathan Adler.

My wristlet: Again this basically goes everywhere with me as it holds my phone, IDs, keys, and money.

I also keep tissues, a mini first-aid kit, Tide to Go pen, mini deodorant, handsantizer, face wipes, Advil, eyedrops, cuticle cream, feminine products, and Chapstick. 

Books and Supplies for my Monday/Wednesday and online class.

And of course spirals, folders, and textbooks! I have a spiral and folder for each class (and a highlighter, all in the same color.) I have textbooks for four of my classes but only bring what I need for that day. I have a binder for one class because it houses a 100+ page financial report we're using throughout the semester. I had a binder for each class in high school with my special organizing system. But for college it gets far too bulky.  

What are your backpack essentials?