NEW TIMES 2025 BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE 32 Aug 14th- Aug 20th, 2025 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES Over time, your brain will associate that space and schedule with learning, making it easier to get in the zone. 5. Color-Code and Label Everything A little color can go a long way in keeping your academic life organized. •Assign a color to each subject (blue for math, red for English, green for science) and use matching folders, notebooks, and digital labels. •Use sticky tabs or washi tape to mark important sections in your textbooks. •Apply the same system to your digital files by creating clearly labeled folders on your computer or cloud storage. This simple visual system saves you from flipping through pages or scrolling endlessly to find what you need. 6. Keep Your Backpack (and Desk) Clutter-Free A messy space equals a messy mind. Once a week, take 10 minutes to clean out your backpack, desk, or locker. Toss old papers you no longer need, reorganize supplies, and restock essentials. Pro Tip: Keep a small “emergency kit” in your backpack with extra pens, sticky notes, a phone charger, snacks, and a water bottle, so you’re always prepared. 7. Learn to Prioritize Not all tasks are created equal. Some are urgent and important, while others can wait. Use the Eisenhower Matrix to decide what to tackle first: •Urgent + Important: Do it now. •Important, Not Urgent: Schedule it for later. •Urgent, Not Important: Delegate or handle quickly. •Not Urgent, Not Important: Consider removing it from your list. By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll avoid burnout and get more done in less time. 8. Build in Time for Self-Care Organization isn’t just about schoolwork, it’s about keeping yourself balanced. A packed schedule without downtime can lead to exhaustion, which makes it harder to stay on top of your responsibilities. •Schedule breaks the same way you schedule study sessions. •Make sure you’re getting enough sleep: at least 8 hours for teens and 7–9 for college students. •Incorporate physical activity, even if it’s just a short walk between classes. A well-rested, energized brain is far more productive than a tired, stressed-out one. 9. Review and Adjust Monthly Your organization system isn’t set in stone. At the end of each month, take a few minutes to reflect: •What worked well? •What caused unnecessary stress? •What changes can you make for next month? Being flexible and willing to adapt is key to staying organized long-term. Final Takeaway Staying organized all year isn’t about being perfect, it’s about building habits that make school life easier and more manageable. With the right planner, a few reliable digital tools, and a consistent routine, you can stay on top of assignments, avoid last-minute stress, and even carve out more time for the things you love. Remember, organization is a skill, the more you practice, the better you’ll get. Start small, stick with it, and by the end of the year, you’ll be amazed at how much smoother your academic life runs.
