No matter what learning platform you use in college, it's easy to have the same fear: forgetting to turn in an assignment. While it may seem possible to remember everything at the beginning of the semester, it’s a lot harder than it seems.

Between your school's website and the other applications where homework is posted, it's easy to get lost. I was constantly worried I would miss an assignment or an important deadline, but that was before I learned how to maximize my calendar!

Find the Right Fit

The first tip to making the most of your calendar is finding what apps or websites work best for you. For me, the apps I like to use most are Apple Calendar and Apple Reminders.

What I like about them is that they are compatible with each other. This means that when I schedule a reminder, it shows up on my calendar, so I know I won’t miss anything.

Some other apps that my friends use include Google Calendar and Notion. If you are someone who likes to have a physical schedule, I recommend a paper planner and a wall calendar.

Color-Coding Your Calendar

I love to color-code my calendar. I do this by creating a different calendar for each of my classes and extracurriculars.

In most virtual calendars, there is an option to assign each calendar a color. I give each one a different color, so when I see it on the month view, I can tell what subject it's for. If you are using a physical calendar, you could try using highlighters or different colored pens.

Study Your Syllabus

My next piece of advice is to put every single thing from your syllabus onto your calendar. This is the easiest way to ensure that you will never miss a deadline.

Your professors give you this wonderful document that outlines your entire semester. Use it to your advantage. Doing this as soon as the syllabus is published gives you a head start on a successful semester.

Keep It Up to Date

Things change, and deadlines can shift from what they were at the beginning of the year. Remember to regularly update your schedule, so you don’t make decisions based on outdated information. I check my school’s learning platform weekly, making sure to add or delete assignments as they come due.

It’s also important to add things that aren’t just schoolwork, like clubs, work, or dinner with friends. Having these marked on your schedule gives you a clear view of your upcoming week and what you need to plan for.

Plan for Future You

Taking the time to set up your calendar may seem like one more task to manage, but it's the key to a less stressful semester. By finding the right tools for you, color-coding your schedule, and using your syllabus, you can trade that fear of missing a deadline for a sense of control.

Remember, your calendar is yours. No matter how you set it up, it just needs to work for you!

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