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30 Organisational Tips for School (Finally Become an Organised Student!)

Updated on July 14, 2023 By Daniel Wong 41 Comments

Organised study table

Life as a student is busy.

So when you’re in school, applying organisational tips can have a big impact on how you perform.

If you’re not organised and you feel like you’re not on top of things, you’ll be stressed.

You might end up working late and sleeping less, but this isn’t a good idea.

Getting organised for school is all about developing good study habits and systems.

Through my experiences, I’ve come up with these 30 simple tips that will help students to become structured, productive, and effective.

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How to be organised in school (and outside of school, too)

These school-related organisational tips are all about using systems and routines to stay on track.

Implementing these tips will enable you to get your work done on time, be fully prepared for tests, and still have time to relax.

1. Develop a routine

Consistency is the key to student success. So write down your general weekly schedule and create a routine.

Include things like when you’ll do your homework, when you’ll review the things you’ve learned, when you’ll exercise, and so on.

It’s not possible to stick to a routine 100% of the time, but at least set up the framework to keep you focused and on track.

2. Set rules for yourself

Set some very specific rules for yourself. These could be things like “complete all projects and assignments at least two days before they are due” or “start studying for tests at least one week in advance”.

Review your rules once a month and adjust them if necessary.

3. Write everything down

No one has a perfect memory, and trying to remember everything is stressful. So make a habit of writing down all your events, meetings, ideas, and things you need to do.

Use a notebook or planner, or try an app like Google Keep or Any.do that you can use on your phone and computer.

To be organised in school, choose the method you’ll use most consistently.

When you write everything down, you’ll be less anxious because you won’t be relying on your brain as a storage device.

4. Create your own deadline that is before the actual deadline

Create your own deadlines and put them in your planner or calendar. Having your own deadline reduces stress for you as a student. You’ll also be more likely to submit your best work.

Don’t treat the actual deadline as the deadline. Set your own deadline one or two days before, and plan accordingly.

This will help you because you probably already experience enough stress related to taking tests and exams!

5. Work on one task at a time; don’t multitask

FocusOne of the most important organisational tips for students is to focus on one task at a time.

Multitasking seems like a good idea because you can pretend that you’re working twice as hard.

We all get bored of the tasks we’re working on, so jumping about seems more fun.

The problem is that it doesn’t result in the best outcomes.

Here’s what I recommend: Take a scrap piece of paper and write down the task you’re working on right now, e.g. Math assignment, questions 1 to 5.

Put that scrap piece of paper on your study table, to serve as a reminder for you to stay focused on the task at hand.

6. Use the following websites and apps . . .

Test out the following websites and apps to make studying fun, keep you organised, and remove distractions.

  • Habitica

Habitica is an app that turns your goals into a fun game. It makes it more likely that you’ll stick to your goals and enjoy the process too.

  • MyStudyLife

This app replaces a planner and helps you organise your schedule, tasks and exam preparation. It also sends you reminders of upcoming events.

7. Use a planner

I recommend that you put the planner on your desk once you get to class and leave it there throughout the school day. This makes it more likely that you’ll use it because it’s right in front of you.

If you leave your planner in your backpack, you may feel like it’s too troublesome to take it out to use.

Put everything in your planner: homework, test and exam dates, family events, social events, etc. This way, you’ll be far more organised.

If you’re allowed to use your phone or computer in class, then you can use Google Calendar, Google Keep, or MyStudyLife instead of a hard copy planner.

8. Declutter once a week

Your physical space should be organised for things to do with school, including your notes and assignments.

At the end of each week, look through all the papers, notes, brochures, and other things you’ve accumulated. Recycle or throw away all the things you don’t need.

Clutter attracts clutter. So if you declutter once a week, you’ll be more likely to stay organised in general. You’ll also find it easier to stay focused.

9. Put sticky notes on the front door to help you remember things

You can use this organisational tip for school-related things you don’t want to forget, such as bringing an extra T-shirt or asking your parents to sign a consent form.

Put a sticky note on the front door. The note can have just the key word written on it, like “T-shirt” or “Form”. This will make it almost guaranteed that you’ll remember.

10. Keep one notebook and one binder for each subject

Take all your notes for one subject in one notebook. When you run out of space, start a new notebook. Label each notebook clearly, e.g. History Notebook 1, History Notebook 2. This will make it easy for you to find the information you need in the future.

Doing this will help you stay organised in school.

I discourage you from taking notes on loose sheets of paper. I also discourage you from using only one notebook, in which you take notes across all your different subjects.

Make a habit of keeping one binder for each subject and filing your assignments and printed notes according to type. File all your assignments together in sequential order, followed by your printed notes, which should also be filed together in sequential order.

(Here are some tips on how to properly take notes.)

11. Bring an accordion folder to school every day

Accordion folder

This accordion folder is for your daily use.

Create one section of the accordion folder for each subject, and label each section clearly.

I recommend reserving the front section for incomplete homework, so the homework will be easy to find.

12. Do filing once a week

At the end of each week, transfer all the printed notes, assignments, etc. from the accordion folder to the respective subject’s binder.

Doing this weekly is a good practice, to ensure that your accordion folder doesn’t get too full or messy.

13. Do five minutes of daily planning each day

Before you start doing your homework or studying for a test, look at your planner first. Take note of all upcoming deadlines, and think about your schedule for the rest of the day.

Then you can decide what specific tasks to work on for the day. Doing daily planning will ensure that you’re always working on the most important tasks, and that you don’t leave anything out.

14. Learn to say no

Organisational tips can help you balance your school life with other activities, but only up to a point.

If you want to be an organised, effective student, you can’t say yes to everything – there will always be trade-offs you’ll need to make.

So decide on the boundaries you want to set for yourself. Decide how many times you’ll go out with your friends each week, how many days each week you’ll devote to extracurricular activities, and what your priorities are.

Then practise saying no to protect these boundaries. And don’t feel guilty when you say no! Remember, it’s not about being a busy student; it’s about being an effective student.

15. Block out time in your schedule for the things that matter most

Blocking out time in your schedule is a critical time management strategy for students.

If you don’t do this, other things which are less important will fill your schedule.

In your calendar or planner, block out time for things like family events, religious activities, volunteering, and studying.

Then honour these commitments and stick to your schedule as much as possible.

16. Break down big tasks into smaller tasks

Planning

Breaking down big tasks and projects makes them seem less overwhelming and more manageable.

Doing this also makes it clearer what your specific next step is, so you’ll be less likely to procrastinate on your assignments.

Here’s an example. Rather than telling yourself that you need to write your paper fast, break it down into smaller tasks like:

  • Read 10 articles on the topic for research
  • Write outline
  • Write introduction
  • Write main point #1
  • Write main point #2
  • Write main point #3
  • Write conclusion
  • Proofread the paper
  • Adjust the formatting, layout, etc. of the paper
  • Submit paper

17. Once a week, review the upcoming events in your planner/calendar

Each week, take a few minutes to see what important events and deadlines are coming up over the next month. This will help to ensure that you don’t overlook any important projects, tests, or assignments.

Reviewing your schedule helps you to stay on top of things. It also keeps you calm and in control, and allows you to adjust your daily and weekly priorities.

18. If a task takes two minutes or less to do, do it immediately

The “two-minute rule” was popularised by productivity expert David Allen. When you follow this rule, small tasks don’t pile up and become overwhelming.

Things like texting a friend, sending your classmate some information via email, or asking your parents to sign a consent form are all quick tasks that take less than two minutes to complete.

When you do these tasks immediately, you’ll feel a sense of achievement too.

19. Clear your desk at the end of each day

This organisational tip only takes a minute to do and prevents clutter from building up. I recommend doing this when you’re done with your homework or studying for the day.

It will make it easier for you to find what you need when you next sit down to work.

In addition, when you have a neat desk, you’ll concentrate better and feel more motivated to study.

20. Develop a specific plan for every upcoming test and exam

Notebook

Don’t just tell yourself that you’ll study hard for the test or exam.

That’s too vague, and you may feel as if you’re never prepared enough.

Instead, develop a plan. Write down what resources you’re going to use, how many practice questions or exam papers you intend to do, how many times you plan to read the notes, what study tips you’ll put into practice, etc.

Write all the steps down on a sheet of paper and create a rough timeline as well.

When you’ve completed everything on your plan, you’ll know that you’re well prepared. By always having a plan, you’ll learn faster and be more efficient.

21. Create a conducive environment at home for studying

To be an effective and organised student, set up a dedicated study area at home.

You need to have the right environment to work. You need all the necessary materials, stationery, paper and study tools. You also need a suitable table and lamp.

And if you want to be productive, you definitely shouldn’t study on your bed! That’s one of the most common reasons for feeling sleepy while studying.

22. Before you start work, eliminate all distractions

Take a moment and think about the distractions you typically face when you’re trying to study. Common ones include text messages, notifications on your phone, social media, YouTube, books, and magazines.

Remove these distractions before you get to work. Put your phone in another room, turn off Internet access on your computer, and put the books and magazines at the other end of the room.

23. Use a stopwatch or timer

School organisational tips include making the most of your time.

When you want to have a productive study session, use a timer to help you focus. Using a timer adds a sense of urgency.

Try working in blocks of 30 to 40 minutes, followed by a short break. If you’re up for it, set a timer for your breaks too, so that you don’t take a 45-minute break when you only intended to take a 10-minute break.

24. Double-check that you’ve completed all the homework that’s due the next day

Set a recurring reminder so that you’ll do this every school day in the mid-afternoon.

This will prevent you from scrambling at the last minute or pulling an all-nighter just to get the assignment done.

25. Every day, review all the new information you learned in school earlier that day

Reading

A quick review of the key concepts should only take you about 20 minutes.

Doing this helps to ensure understanding, so you stay on top of the material.

If you really can’t do this review on the same day, do it the following day while the information is still fresh in your mind.

26. Keep an ongoing list of the questions you have about the class material

As you read your notes and the textbook, keep a list of the things you don’t understand and the questions you have. As soon as you’re able to, ask your teachers about the items on your list.

If you do this consistently, you won’t need to spend so much time studying for tests and exams, because you already understand the information.

27. Every school night, pack your backpack for the following day

This way, you won’t have to scramble in the morning to pack. Set a reminder on your phone or put a Post-It note on your desk to ensure that you do this every school night.

Create a checklist for the things you need to remember to bring to school, and put the checklist somewhere accessible.

28. Wake up a little bit earlier each morning so you don’t have to rush

For most students, waking up 5 to 10 minutes earlier is enough to avoid the unnecessary stress of rushing in the morning.

When you rush, you often forget things – which means that your day doesn’t start well. Top students go to bed early, get at least eight hours of sleep every night, and set their alarm so they wake up a bit earlier.

I recommend that you put the alarm clock at the other end of the room, so you won’t be tempted to snooze. I also recommend using the Alarmy app if you use your phone as an alarm clock. It’s the best alarm clock app I’ve ever used!

You can get Alarmy for your Android or iOS device.

29. Every school night, pick out the clothes you’re going to wear the following day

If you wear a school uniform to go to school, then this organisational tip is easy to apply. But it still saves you time.

Take your school uniform or the clothes you’ll wear the following day, and hang them somewhere easily accessible, like on the door knob of your room door.

This only takes you a minute to do, but makes the morning that much less stressful.

30. Make your bed every morning

Make bed

This is a small victory to start the day.

It sets the tone for the day and will help you to be more productive overall.

Even this US Navy admiral recommends this simple tip as a way of improving your motivation and focus!

Get organised for school, one step at a time

This is a long article that might leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if you’re not already an organised student.

So take one step at a time.

Start by identifying which areas you need to work on, and then prioritise them.

Adopt one new habit in the coming week. Once you’re comfortable with that habit, adopt one more.

Remember that no one is perfect. Your journey as a student – and in life, too – is always about progress, not perfection.

Start making progress toward becoming an organised and focused student today!

Like this article? Please share it with your friends.

FREE BONUS

​

Enter your email below to download a PDF summary of this article. The PDF contains all the tips found here, plus 3 exclusive bonus tips that you’ll only find in the PDF.

Filed Under: Discipline, Education, Learning, Motivation, Planning, Success, Teens, Time Management

Comments

  1. regina says

    April 10, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    good tips!i like it but it is hard when i get sleepy too often

    Reply
    • Destiny says

      September 8, 2019 at 3:40 pm

      Maybe you should go to bed earlier and eat all three meals in a day, it really works and drink lots of water. It keeps me energized for the day and makes me sleepy at JUST the right time. I would suggest going to bed 1 hour before you would normally go to sleep. Even if you can’t fall asleep. It gets you in a routine.

      Reply
      • Dinikva says

        July 12, 2020 at 11:07 pm

        thank you!!!! im having trouble sleeping and those tips help~!!

        Reply
    • Penelope Sheldon says

      January 23, 2020 at 10:49 am

      This is the best website I have ever encountered! Thank you soooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!

      Reply
  2. Daniel Wong says

    April 11, 2017 at 8:27 am

    You’re welcome. Regina. Yes, getting eight hours of sleep is definitely the foundation of being an effective student!

    Reply
    • Tamzin Murray says

      April 17, 2019 at 2:16 am

      How do you get these interesting ideas

      Reply
  3. Maximilian says

    April 12, 2017 at 3:01 am

    Hi Daniel, I really appreciate your articles and tips. I share it often to my friends, youths and parents. Keep up! God bless!

    Reply
  4. Daniel Wong says

    April 12, 2017 at 7:34 am

    Hi Maximilian, you’re very welcome. God bless you too!

    Reply
  5. Bridie says

    August 14, 2018 at 5:30 am

    Great, really helpful.

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    August 29, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    About to start a professional course, how best can I stay focus since it’s been long time .

    Reply
  7. Jessa says

    October 26, 2018 at 4:53 am

    Thank you so much this will really help me I have so much stress at home and homework ends and starts in yelling thank you….

    Reply
  8. Robby says

    October 30, 2018 at 4:53 am

    I really loved this! It has helped me a lot, especially as I have just started secondary school!

    Reply
  9. Mary says

    November 15, 2018 at 2:57 am

    Thank you so much! It has helped me a lot, especially since I just got in secondary school. God bless you!

    Reply
  10. K.J says

    January 17, 2019 at 2:20 am

    I’m pretty sure organised is spelled organized.

    Reply
    • Daniel Wong says

      January 17, 2019 at 7:56 am

      Thanks for your comment. In US English it is spelled as “organized” but in UK English it is spelled as “organised”.

      Reply
  11. Imaan Aziz says

    March 5, 2019 at 3:41 am

    awesome tips!!

    Reply
  12. Al says

    March 13, 2019 at 2:52 am

    Thank you! This really helps me sense have anxiety.

    Reply
  13. Marie says

    March 15, 2019 at 6:02 am

    Thanks a lot for these 30 tips. I absolutely admire them. They are astonishing and significant.

    God bless

    Reply
  14. Sanskriti says

    March 19, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    Amazing. This really made my school’s first month better. Great work sir

    Reply
  15. lukas says

    April 6, 2019 at 9:16 am

    thank you for the help!!!!!

    Reply
  16. @theatercrazy816 says

    June 2, 2019 at 10:44 am

    Hello , I am going in to the 9th grade and i am having trouble keeping up with the loads of schoolwork I have to do and i do not want this issue to transfer in to next school year what should I do

    Reply
    • Lucy says

      August 26, 2020 at 11:36 pm

      Hi,
      I find that keeping a wake up scheduale makes my day better. I always get up at 5:30 on school days, and it makes my day so much better. I am never tired, and I have lots of energy. Use the assignment tracker on Google Sheets. That really helps. And planners too. I hope this helps a little.

      Reply
  17. selena deprema says

    July 16, 2019 at 7:31 am

    im going into 10th grade this year and these tips were really good! last year i had so much work i started failing and staying up late and it wasnt working out thank you so much for your help

    Reply
  18. piper dog says

    October 15, 2019 at 2:00 am

    thank you for helping

    Reply
  19. piper dog says

    October 15, 2019 at 2:04 am

    my school is making me read this i am only a 6th grader!!

    Reply
    • person says

      September 18, 2020 at 2:36 am

      Ok but that’s normal, it’s not like you can’t read.

      Reply
  20. asia macaro says

    January 16, 2020 at 7:10 pm

    This is seriously helpful, thank you so much. I really appreciate this.

    Reply
  21. charlyn says

    February 15, 2020 at 6:09 am

    i am 11 and i only like the habica thing sorry people but i do

    Reply
  22. charlyn says

    February 16, 2020 at 1:12 am

    so ya XD

    Reply
  23. kara says

    April 4, 2020 at 10:26 pm

    this a really well written section

    Reply
  24. Natneal Gala says

    May 8, 2020 at 2:44 am

    Thank you so much It is really helpful.

    Reply
  25. Dinikva says

    July 12, 2020 at 11:05 pm

    Hi Mr. Wong, I am trying to publish a book for Middle School students, and you see, one of the chapters is study tips. I was doing some research, and I came across this article…

    Do you mind if I use some of these tips without giving credit to you?
    Or does that count as plagiarism?

    Thank you, and I understand if you don’t let me.

    Reply
    • Daniel Wong says

      July 13, 2020 at 10:49 am

      Hi Dinikva, thank you for your message. If you use any of the tips, please give credit to me. If you use the tips without giving credit, that would be considered plagiarism. Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Lucy says

    August 26, 2020 at 11:39 pm

    Thank you so much!
    Such great tips! I am glad I clicked on this link.

    Reply
  27. Kaden Bryant says

    October 29, 2020 at 8:23 pm

    That really helps. And planners too. I hope this helps a little. I like it but it is hard when i get sleepy too often, and stay up late lots of time tryna do my work and get it done the way and it sucks when you submit them and they don’t even turn in.

    Reply
  28. Layla Sage says

    November 20, 2020 at 11:56 pm

    You have no idea how helpful this is. Be organized is already hard, but having ADHD and doing anything is worse. If I could buy you a Porsche, I would.

    Reply
  29. Jasmin says

    January 2, 2021 at 9:14 am

    Literally, my teacher is soo picky. You know when we are doing work she says good and nice to other peoples work. I am not being jealous of them. When I am organised I think that my teacher will send me to the top table like last year. Btw last year I was in 4th grade this year I’m in 5th grade

    Reply
  30. Kloey says

    January 2, 2021 at 5:23 pm

    These tips and tricks were very helpful!!!!! I liked that you explained each one clearly and the reasoning behind it. Thank You!!!!

    Reply
  31. Reghardt Gabriel erasmus says

    August 24, 2022 at 10:02 pm

    I just read this
    I’m really hoping it’d work
    I’m kinda late though
    It’s only 1 term then Im off to grade 8
    I hope this’ll work in homeschooling
    I’m scared that it doesn’t
    I always wondered how clever and organized people do their stuff. Now I know.,

    Reply
  32. C N N says

    October 18, 2022 at 3:36 am

    Thank you, Mr. Danel Wong. This has helped me in my studying life tremendesly. The tips and tricks are truly inspiring. I really owe you one good sir. Have a blessed Saturday.

    Reply
  33. Diya says

    January 3, 2023 at 10:30 pm

    This is a very cool artical, I just started y7 and
    its stressful. Do these tips apply to a new secondary school student cause i tend to not commit to a planner or schedule. Any tips

    Reply

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