As the academic year approaches, it’s essential to prepare for an unforgettable college experience. A crucial aspect of succeeding is having the right mindset and utilizing effective strategies. Beyond achieving good grades, college demands self-sufficiency, meal planning, and financial management. With a focus on organization and planning, the challenges of higher education can be effortlessly navigated.
To set yourself up for success, explore these 23 college hacks designed to streamline your experience and make the most of your time at university.
Start Your Meal Prep
While many college students may dread the idea of meal prep, there’s a way to make it more enjoyable. Salad jars have become a popular solution for busy students who want to eat healthy without sacrificing taste or convenience. The beauty of salad jars is that they’re incredibly easy to prepare – simply layer your favorite veggies, protein source, and dressing, then enjoy as is or give the jar a good shake before digging in!
If you’d rather satisfy your sweet tooth, consider making mini dessert jars for a treat. With just a few simple ingredients and some creative planning, salad jars can become your go-to solution for healthy, delicious meals that fit into even the busiest of schedules.
Functional Furniture – Floating Desk with Shelves
When it comes to student accommodation, space is often at a premium. One way to overcome this challenge is by incorporating functional furniture that serves multiple purposes. A tall floating desk is an excellent example of how clever design can make a big difference.
This versatile piece of furniture boasts ample shelf space for storing books, office supplies, and other essentials. The best part?
It doubles as a standing desk when you need to be on your feet, and can easily convert back into a comfortable sitting desk. By incorporating such multi-functional pieces, students can create a clutter-free and productive living environment.
For inspiration on how to maximize space in small areas, check out these 20 practical storage ideas!
Inspiring Study Space
For college students, the art of pulling an all-nighter is a rite of passage. But did you know that the right environment can make all the difference? A well-designed study space can transform what would normally be a tedious task into a productive and enjoyable experience. With the perfect blend of function and aesthetics, your workspace can become a sanctuary for learning. Take this ideal study setup as an example.
Notice how each item has its designated spot, keeping everything organized and within reach. From storing stationery and writing supplies in a desktop organizer to having ample space for books and binders, every detail is thoughtfully considered. And yet, the space remains uncluttered, allowing you to focus on your studies without distraction. A few well-placed plants or scented candles can even add a touch of calmness to the atmosphere.
Make Your Own Exam Prep Sheet
A well-structured exam prep sheet can be a game-changer in streamlining your study routine and achieving success. By utilizing this tool, you can break down complex tasks into manageable chunks and create a clear roadmap for tackling your exams. For instance, you can record the classes you’re currently taking, along with your current grade, projected grade, and target score. Next, outline specific strategies for preparing for each exam.
However, the key to maintaining momentum is setting achievable milestones and rewarding yourself when you reach them. This positive reinforcement will keep you motivated and focused on achieving your academic goals.
Get Used to Making Mug Recipes
As we explore more meal prep ideas for college students, let’s dive into the world of mug recipes! This convenient format allows for easy preparation and quick cooking, making it an ideal solution for busy students on-the-go. With a focus on balanced nutrition, incorporating protein, carbs, and fiber into your mug recipe can provide a satisfying and filling meal.
One of the best aspects of mug recipes is their versatility – simply layer your ingredients in the mug and cook them in the microwave for under 20 minutes. Additionally, these recipes can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for a quick reheating when needed. This flexibility makes it easy to fit a nutritious meal into even the most hectic schedules.
To get started with your own mug recipe creations, consider investing in microwave- and oven-friendly mugs that cater to your needs.
File Folding
One of the most useful storage hacks I’ve come across is file folding, a technique that has been a game-changer for me when it comes to maximizing limited wardrobe space. Essentially, this method involves folding clothing into compact rectangles and arranging them neatly in your dresser or drawer. Not only does this approach help you make the most of the available space, but it also reduces wrinkles and keeps your entire dresser looking organized and tidy.
Desk planner
Journals are a great way to keep track of your daily tasks, appointments, and goals. While they offer portability and flexibility, having a planner displayed on your desk can be incredibly beneficial. By keeping it at eye-level, you can easily reference your schedule and work through your To-Do list, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks. A desk planner allows you to prioritize your tasks, make adjustments as needed, and stay focused on what needs to get done.
Having this visual reminder of your daily agenda can be a game-changer for productivity and time management.
Health Tracking Journal
For college students, keeping track of mental and physical well-being can be a daunting task, especially when juggling late-night study sessions, quick meals, and the challenges of living away from home for the first time. A health tracker and wellness journal can be a valuable tool in staying mindful of one’s overall health. This type of journal allows users to set and track their wellness goals, serving as both a meal planner and goal-setting companion.
By being more conscious of one’s habits and priorities, individuals can take control of their well-being and cultivate healthier routines.
Shower Caddy
In contrast to the modest confines of a college dorm room, the average student bathroom is an even more diminutive space – think of it as a hybrid between a janitor’s supply closet and an airplane lavatory. The shower, in particular, can be quite cramped, making every inch count.
To make the most of this limited real estate, consider investing in a versatile shower caddy that can double as storage solution.
This particular model boasts a sturdy hook that can be effortlessly secured to the neck of your overhead showerhead, freeing up valuable space for other essentials.
The caddy itself features two generously sized racks designed specifically for holding toiletries and a smaller companion rack ideal for housing soap products. Additionally, it comes equipped with an abundance of hangers and hooks, providing ample opportunities for customization to suit your unique needs.
Planner
In college, a reliable and straightforward planner is the ultimate tool for staying organized and on track. It’s hard to overstate the impact it can have on your daily routine, academic performance, and overall well-being. By keeping your schedule, tasks, and goals in check, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can juggle household chores, meal prep, wellness and fitness tracking, budgeting and financial planning, work and educational responsibilities, and even cultivate healthy habits.
In particular, a planner excels at helping you manage the following areas of your life: 1. Household tasks: from cleaning to laundry, stay on top of it all with ease. 2. Meal prep: plan out your meals for the week, reduce food waste, and save time in the kitchen. 3. Wellness and fitness tracking: monitor your progress, set goals, and celebrate milestones. 4. Budgeting and financial planning: create a budget that works for you, track expenses, and achieve long-term financial stability. 5.
Work and education planner: schedule classes, study sessions, work shifts, and appointments with precision. 6. Habit tracker: build positive routines, break bad ones, and develop healthy habits that stick.
Feed Your Brain
While it may not be a hack in the classical sense, research and science have consistently demonstrated that incorporating the right foods into one’s diet can have a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being. The ‘superfood’ quartet of leafy greens, berries, eggs, and fish has been shown to be particularly beneficial for college students, as it can enhance memory and processing speed.
To make these superfoods a part of your daily routine, simply explore some impressive recipes and find the flavor combinations that you enjoy the most. Berries, in particular, are an excellent choice for dessert, as they’re naturally sweet and can help curb a sweet tooth.
Study Schedule with Bullet Journal
Having an effective exam prep sheet is just the beginning of academic success in college. To truly stay on top of coursework, assignments, and deadlines, a well-planned study schedule is essential. With a packed class load, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed without a structured approach. By establishing a study routine from the outset, you’ll be better equipped to manage your time, prioritize tasks, and achieve your goals.
A bullet journal or similar tool can serve as a valuable companion in this process, enabling you to create, modify, and adhere to your schedule with ease.
Maximize Door Space
Another creative way to boost storage space is by utilizing over-the-door storage racks. These versatile solutions can be attached to doors in closets, pantries, and bathrooms, offering ample room for storing various items. Simply slide the hooks onto the door’s top edge and let them hang down. Within your closet, you can store accessories like scarves, shoes, cosmetics, or beauty products with ease.
In the kitchen, these racks can be repurposed as a convenient over-the-door spice organizer (for inspiration, explore our previous article). For even more storage ideas, take a look at our curated list of 23 closet shelving solutions and DIY hanging organizers with pockets.
Brain Foods, Part 2
While it’s well-established that good nutrition is crucial for college students, it’s worth reiterating the significance of wholesome meals in maintaining overall health. By incorporating a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber into your diet, you can create a solid foundation. When selecting protein sources, opt for lean options to minimize excessive fat intake.
Additionally, eggs and dairy products complemented by moderate amounts of healthy fats and complex carbohydrates can provide a well-rounded meal. Furthermore, conducting some research and planning ahead will enable you to allocate your food budget effectively, allowing you to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Make a Budget
As a college student, managing your finances can be a daunting task. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of campus life and overspend on non-essential items or dining out. To avoid financial stress, it’s crucial to take control of your budgeting process. Start by tracking your income and expenses regularly – whether that’s weekly or monthly – to ensure you’re staying within your means.
By doing so, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about how you allocate your funds and prioritize your spending. Developing a solid budgeting habit is an invaluable skill that will serve you well throughout your life. Consider investing in a reliable budgeting tool or planner to help guide the process and keep yourself organized.
Upgrade your Ramen
For many college students, a packet of ramen noodles is a staple in their pantry. While it’s affordable and satisfying, the question remains: how nutritious is this popular dish? The good news is that with some simple tweaks, you can transform your ramen into a more wholesome meal. Start by adding fresh vegetables and produce to give it a boost of vitamins and minerals. You can also add a dash of sriracha sauce for an extra kick, as well as some chopped herbs and a fried egg on top.
For a specific example, try whipping up a bowl of shrimp ramen – the warm, savory broth is sure to become your go-to comfort food during those long winter study sessions.
Dry Erase Calendar
While journals and desk planners have their benefits, let’s explore the value of dry-erase calendars as a more sustainable way to stay organized. Unlike paper-based solutions that can generate waste, these calendars offer a reusable alternative for keeping track of daily commitments, appointments, and events like birthdays and anniversaries. Simply fill it in at the beginning of each month and erase it when you’re done, eliminating the need for constant replenishment.
Mounting one on your wall provides an added benefit – it serves as a visual reminder of your schedule, reducing the likelihood of mental notes or forgotten appointments. With just a few swift strokes of your marker, you can mark important dates and events, making it easier to stay on top of your responsibilities.
Bed Riser with Charging Ports
The humble power outlets and charging ports in dorm rooms are often a source of frustration for college students. The need for an extension cord can be a significant expense, especially for those on a budget. However, the solution lies not only in buying expensive cords but also in cleverly utilizing existing space. Bed risers, for instance, double as charging ports, making them an ingenious hack for navigating morning chaos.
By simply sliding them under the bed or desk legs, students can enjoy the convenience of recharging their devices without the hassle of tangled wires.
Make Your Very Own Pencil Organizer
I’ll be the first to confess that my affinity for office and school supplies began in college, where I’d frequently treat myself to an assortment of pens, markers, color pencils, and other writing essentials. This fondness has only grown stronger with time. One effective way to keep your supplies from overwhelming you is by investing in a reliable desk organizer.
Not only will it prevent your workspace from becoming cluttered, but it’ll also ensure that your materials are neatly arranged and easily accessible when needed. If budget constraints are an issue, don’t worry – there’s a simple yet creative solution: create your own pencil organizer using paper! All it requires is a bit of your time and some basic crafting skills. Curious to explore more innovative ways to store your supplies?
I invite you to delve into these 40 creative office organization ideas for inspiration.
Make Your Own Desk Organizer
Transforming cluttered spaces into organized havens is just a box away! When the stacks start getting out of hand on your beloved desk, fear not – creating an organizer from scratch can be a breeze. All you need are two humble cereal boxes to get started. The possibilities for upcycling and repurposing are endless, allowing you to breathe new life into discarded materials and give your dorm room a much-needed tidy.
Quizlet Virtual Flashcards
Flashcards have been an integral part of the college experience for generations. Whether you’re a digital native or a nostalgic traditionalist, using flashcards is a rite of passage that no self-respecting college student wants to miss out on. With a plethora of virtual apps available, making flashcards has never been easier. But let’s not forget about the humble, tried-and-true physical flashcard – it still holds its own special charm.
When exam time rolls around, your trusty flashcards will be there for you, guiding you through all-nighters and study groups alike.
Essential Oils for Better Sleep
When seeking relaxation, many students turn to the calming properties of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus essential oils. These natural stress-relievers can be easily incorporated into daily routines through the use of diffusers or roll-on applicators. Simply applying a few drops to pulse points such as wrists, temples, or behind the ears can have a profound impact on one’s ability to unwind.
For college students who often find themselves burning the midnight oil, essential oils can provide a much-needed respite from the pressures of academic life.
Productivity Apps
Productivity applications offer a unique way to harmonize your mental and physical well-being by streamlining your time, energy, and spatial resources. If traditional methods like planners, trackers, and journals don’t resonate with you, consider exploring the realm of productivity apps.
These digital tools can significantly amplify their effectiveness by helping you allocate your time and efforts more efficiently, thereby enabling you to navigate your daily tasks, work, studies, and social commitments with greater ease.