Hello lovelies! Today I have a post with organisational tips for any current or future A-Level students out there! I finished my A-Levels in 2016 (seems like a world away now!) and those 2 short years go by so fast! It's important to get good revision and organisational practises down as early on as possible. Any friend of mine will tell you that I was pretty organised back in sixth form and I want to share my tips with you today!
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#1 PACK YOUR BAG THE NIGHT BEFORE
So I'm going to start with the habit you should have picked up at secondary school. When you pack your bag in the evening, you save yourself a lot of hassle in the morning - especially if you have an early start (the worst!). It's a habit you should really get into as soon as possible if you haven't already. All you have to do is wake up and grab your bag and go!
On a similar note, use a bag that's actually going to be useful! Don't carry a tiny shoulder bag because you won't fit anything in there! I used a variety of bags, from large handbags with loads of room inside to backpacks, but it depends on how comfortable they are for you to carry and how much they can fit.
On a similar note, use a bag that's actually going to be useful! Don't carry a tiny shoulder bag because you won't fit anything in there! I used a variety of bags, from large handbags with loads of room inside to backpacks, but it depends on how comfortable they are for you to carry and how much they can fit.
#2 ONLY PACK THE ESSENTIALS
What goes into your bag is just as important. You don't want to be weighed down by useless things so make sure you only have what you really need. Make sure you have your folder(s), a pencil case and any other essentials you'll definitely need, such as a planner, food, a wallet, or a water bottle. Don't carry folders for the subjects you don't have that day, unless you plan on revising in the library!
#3 USE A PLANNER
I can't stress the importance of having a planner or even a bullet journal if you prefer. I used to get my planners from Rymans, but every stationery shop and supermarket sell planners too. If you like bullet journals, then getting a plain or dotted jorunal is also an option. Just choose what works for you and make sure you actually use it! Write down when your classes are, any extra-curriculars you're doing, when assignments are due and when your exams are. You'll be glad you got one!
#4 NOTEBOOKS & FOLDERS
This is another important thing! First of all, make sure you have two folders for each subject. I had one lever arch file and one smaller ring binder, so when I finished one topic, I just transfered the papers from the small one into the large one at home. The small folder is what you'll take into school with you, so make sure you have subject dividers to split up sections and your syllabus at the front too. Put all of your handouts and loose paper in these small folders, separated by subject dividers!
As for notebooks, I also had two notebooks for each subject, one I took to school with me to make rough notes, and one I kept at home to make myself a revision book. You can just have one notebook per subject, but I liked having them separate to keep everything by themselves and not all over the place. I also kept a huge wad of lined paper at the back of each folder so that when I went into the library, I could write an essay without needing to hunt for paper.
Alternatively, you can get by with one large folder you take into sixth form with you, but I switched to carrying one small folder for each subject because I thought it was more efficient for me.
#3 USE A PLANNER
I can't stress the importance of having a planner or even a bullet journal if you prefer. I used to get my planners from Rymans, but every stationery shop and supermarket sell planners too. If you like bullet journals, then getting a plain or dotted jorunal is also an option. Just choose what works for you and make sure you actually use it! Write down when your classes are, any extra-curriculars you're doing, when assignments are due and when your exams are. You'll be glad you got one!
#4 NOTEBOOKS & FOLDERS
This is another important thing! First of all, make sure you have two folders for each subject. I had one lever arch file and one smaller ring binder, so when I finished one topic, I just transfered the papers from the small one into the large one at home. The small folder is what you'll take into school with you, so make sure you have subject dividers to split up sections and your syllabus at the front too. Put all of your handouts and loose paper in these small folders, separated by subject dividers!
As for notebooks, I also had two notebooks for each subject, one I took to school with me to make rough notes, and one I kept at home to make myself a revision book. You can just have one notebook per subject, but I liked having them separate to keep everything by themselves and not all over the place. I also kept a huge wad of lined paper at the back of each folder so that when I went into the library, I could write an essay without needing to hunt for paper.
Alternatively, you can get by with one large folder you take into sixth form with you, but I switched to carrying one small folder for each subject because I thought it was more efficient for me.
#5 UTILISE YOUR FREE PERIODS
Ahhh, free periods. When I first saw those gaps on my timetable, I was so excited because I was under the impression it meant I could go out and do whatever I wanted (which you totally can!), but I quickly came to realise that free periods are meant for so much more than that! Use them to revise or finish up homework! That's what they're really there for in the first place!
#6 PENCIL CASE
Your pencil case is also an important thing to have organised. You only need to have with you the essentials; pencils, pens, highlighters, a ruler and an eraser. If you would like fineliners for note-taking, then you can get those too! I loved using Zebra Mildliners and Muji pens, but you can get stationery from anywhere!
#7 CLEAR YOUR WORK SPACE
Whether you're at home or at school, make sure you're working on a clean and clear study space. Your desk should be free of distractions and should only have your laptop/computer, your folders and notebooks, and your pencil case! Keeping things to a minimum will make sure you're kept productive!
#8 USEFUL APPS
If you've read my post about my favourite productivity apps (here!), or my post about the tools I use for blogging (also here!), then you know I'm a huge fan of Google Keep. I used this app so much because I could write down assignment due dates, set reminders, and a whole lot more! Definitely an app to use if you prefer keeping your organisation digital.
I also loved using the calendar app that came with my phone, but I wish I had used Google Calendar back then! I recently started using it, but I know it would have been an amazing app to use while in sixth form too. Having a calendar, either on your phone or one you print out and stick to your wall is going to help you out so much in the long run. Use it to write down due dates, upcoming projects, and even structure your revision.
I hope this post was helpful! Even if you're not in sixth form yet, you can still use these tips to keep yourself organised and efficient. If you have tips that other people can use, leave a comment below!
Your pencil case is also an important thing to have organised. You only need to have with you the essentials; pencils, pens, highlighters, a ruler and an eraser. If you would like fineliners for note-taking, then you can get those too! I loved using Zebra Mildliners and Muji pens, but you can get stationery from anywhere!
#7 CLEAR YOUR WORK SPACE
Whether you're at home or at school, make sure you're working on a clean and clear study space. Your desk should be free of distractions and should only have your laptop/computer, your folders and notebooks, and your pencil case! Keeping things to a minimum will make sure you're kept productive!
#8 USEFUL APPS
If you've read my post about my favourite productivity apps (here!), or my post about the tools I use for blogging (also here!), then you know I'm a huge fan of Google Keep. I used this app so much because I could write down assignment due dates, set reminders, and a whole lot more! Definitely an app to use if you prefer keeping your organisation digital.
I also loved using the calendar app that came with my phone, but I wish I had used Google Calendar back then! I recently started using it, but I know it would have been an amazing app to use while in sixth form too. Having a calendar, either on your phone or one you print out and stick to your wall is going to help you out so much in the long run. Use it to write down due dates, upcoming projects, and even structure your revision.
I hope this post was helpful! Even if you're not in sixth form yet, you can still use these tips to keep yourself organised and efficient. If you have tips that other people can use, leave a comment below!
- RELATED POST: 6 Studying Essentials
Photo Credit: Create Her Stock