It's that time again - the new semester is beginning - and that means it is time to get organized.  Below is a list of tips to help you make Spring 2009 your best semester yet.

1.  Invest in a calendar/task management system.  Either use a day planner, Palm Pilot, Microsoft Outlook, or one of the many open source task management systems such as Thunderbird.
2.  Give each course you are taking its own category and color.  Enter in each assignment on your syllabus into your calendar or task management program.  Give each reading assignment a deadline of the day before you will discuss the topic.
3.  Break all writing assignments down into stages:  Brainstorming, Research, Outline, Draft 1, Draft 2, Final Draft.  Give each stage a deadline and schedule this.
4.  Mark in your calendar every time obligation you have - classes, work, family stuff, friends stuff.  Make sure you designate at least 3 hours for each unit of course time as study time.  Schedule study time into your week.  Also, schedule in down time - time to spend doing nothing.  Everyone needs a break.
5. If you fall behind, don't try to catch up all at once.  Instead, begin with the most current reading so that you are ready for class.  As time allows, read the previous material.
6. Buddy-up.  Find at least one person in each of your courses that you can rely on for notes if you are ill, and who you can meet with to study regularly.  Studying together and hashing through concepts can help solidify them in your mind.
7.  Meet with your professor during his or her office hours at least once a month.  Don't wait until you are in trouble before you make yourself known.
8.  Sit near the front or in the front row.  Participate in class.  Sitting in the front will give you the pressure of doing the reading - you don't want to be called upon if you haven't read. 
9.  Find something you like in each of your classes - even if they are "boring" and "required."