Managing Academic Life, Personal Tasks and Unfamiliar Systems with Confidence

Why This Matters

University introduces new routines, responsibilities and expectations all at once. Staying organised isn’t just about colour-coded calendars, it’s about building systems that help you think clearly, act intentionally and reduce stress.

This guide supports students in creating structures that work for them, not just ones that look good on paper.

What You Can Do Right Away

• Choose one central tool
  A planner, app or notebook, and keep everything in one place.
  Best student planning apps – XDA Developers
  Digital note tools – Obsidian | Notion | OneNote
• List your weekly commitments
  Lectures, seminars, study blocks, meals, rest.
• Create a “next steps” list
  What needs action this week? What can wait?

Tip: Organisation is about reducing decision fatigue. The clearer your system, the calmer your day.
Decision fatigue and planning – Psychology Today

What You Can Build Over Time

• A weekly review habit
  Every Friday or Sunday, reflect on what worked and plan ahead.
• A flexible structure
  Allow space for change, missed tasks, new priorities and unexpected events.

Example Rhythm

• Monday – Lecture + planner update
• Tuesday – Reading + admin
• Wednesday – Seminar + rest
• Thursday – Writing + review
• Friday – Planning + reflection

Tip: Use colour, symbols or headings to make your planner feel intuitive, not overwhelming.
Visual planning templates – Canva

Student Reflection Space

One thing that helped me stay organised this week:

One moment I felt overwhelmed:

One change I’ll try next week:

One resource I want to explore:

Explore more with us:

• Read our Informal Blog for relaxed insights
• Discover Deconvolution and see what’s happening
• Visit Gwenin for a curated selection of frameworks
• Browse Spiralmore collections