Organisational skills

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Below are some basic but key tips to organise yourself for study. 

• Organise your space
• Organise paper files
• Organise electronic files

Organise your space

Make sure the space is big enough to work. You will need:

• a writing surface where you can spread out your papers, books and files
• space for a computer
• bookshelves for books
• light so you can read without straining your eyes
• make sure that your computer is at a right angle to the window so light does not reflect on the screen

You will probably need a computer for your studies. This means that you also need to consider Health and Safety factors such as ensuring that you have appropriate furniture and lighting.

Organise your paper files

• work on A4 hole punched paper rather than shorthand notepads and small books - you will find this makes it easier to file your notes
• use a different coloured A4 ring file for each subject or module
• label every piece of paper - file it
• keep the content file at the front of the file up to date - this will save you a great amount of time searching for materials
• use a light file or plastic envelope to carry round the papers and notes needed in the day and file this every night so that it does not pile up

Organise your electronic files

• Keep back up copies of everything on the hard drive and on disc
• Keep your discs in a dust proof box
• Use a separate disc for each specialism or module
• Keep files small so that you do not risk losing materials
• Check disc space regularly
• It takes up time to re-organise material once discs are full
• Use a different folder on the hard drive for each specialism or module
• Save and back up your work regularly
• Label all discs with their contents

For more advice, see time management.

For further information please see Chapter 4 of The Study Skills Handbook by Stella Cottrell.