We’ve hardly scratched the surface of January and some New Year’s resolutions have already proven challenging. It can be difficult to feel positive about the second semester in the face of goals that seem unattainable or, at the very least, demanding. Staying organized during the school year is necessary — but how do we achieve it?

Here are some pointers to make this your best semester yet.

Write down your goals

Studies show that writing things down helps with information retention and memory — not to mention it gives you a sense of accomplishment before you’ve even begun. Jot down a few goals you want to see yourself achieve. They might be long or short-term, but keep them simple and attainable. Goals like working out twice a week, taking a day off of social media or simply eating less fast food than normal are good ideas to begin thinking about.

Plan out your week

“Sunday resets” have taken over TikTok for productive inspiration. Take a Sunday to try it out, or maybe you’ve already implemented it at home. In college, though, it’s easy to live day to day and simply try your best when it comes to cleaning or organizing a calendar. Start this semester off strong by taking a few minutes before the week begins to make sure you know what will happen during the next few days. Be sure to plan for big assignments, trips to the grocery store and time to yourself.

Keep track of your homework

Speaking of assignments, let’s make sure not to miss a due date ever again. Putting all your due dates in a Google spreadsheet once the syllabus is available only takes a few minutes and decreases anxiety since you can tell at a quick glance what needs to be done — bonus points if you color-code them by class.

Say no

We all know the feeling when you’ve just sat down to study for a test, and your phone buzzes with a text that says, “Wanna grab food?” “What a welcome distraction,” you think and grab your keys, only to come back a couple of hours later and find yourself woefully behind. Instead of being so quick to distract yourself, focus on prioritizing your future, both long and short-term. Saying no to little things increases self-control and patience — true friends will understand when you explain that your exam is taking priority today.

Implement small habits

This can be as simple as making your bed in the morning or cleaning up laundry off the floor every night before you go to bed. One by one, little habits will become routine. A quick sweep of your desk or putting away the makeup brushes as you head out the door will increase your sense of productivity and make life easier in the long run.

Commit to staying active

Exercise takes many different forms, so try to find something that fits your personality and lifestyle. Maybe a brisk walk up and down campus is your speed or a group fitness class in the TRECs. Whatever your exercise style, make that a priority this semester. It will alleviate stress and clear your mind while also providing you with great physical health benefits. It’s also a great excuse to get out of your dorm if your roommate is driving you crazy.

The semester might seem scary right now, but committing to a few easy well-being habits will set you up for success and keep you on track to reach your goals.