Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Filing cabinet
- Computer
- File folders
- Notebook
- Large whiteboard (or chalkboard)
Step1
Hang the whiteboard on the wall next to your computer. At the beginning of every week, write out the assignments that are due and the specifics of the assignment. Having to stare at that whiteboard every time you sit down at the computer will force you do your homework and quit chatting online with your friends.
Step2
Keep a notebook that includes a calendar of assignments and due dates. Put your syllabus and other pertinent information in this notebook and refer to it daily. Also, create a list of key contacts at the university such as professors, financial aid, graduate committee and other key people. Hang a list of key university numbers and emails on your computer monitor.
Step3
Purchase a small filing cabinet. Create a hanging file for each graduate course that you take. Keep in the hanging file copies of all syllabi and assignments. You will want to refer back to these files as you go through your graduate courses.
Step4
Organize your file folders on your computer. Have a folder for each class that you take. Back up these documents often to a disk or a flash drive. At the end of the course, place the disk into the appropriate hanging file folder.
Step5
Stay in constant communication with your professors. Get to know them and let them get to know you. Keeping the lines of communication open and positive will be a lifesaver the day you have a crisis and miss an assignment deadline.
Stay organized while attending grad school
Novice 
