First, clean your desk.

A stress-free semester starts with an organized workspace. Clean off the surface of your desk for ample room to lay out all of your papers and textbooks when studying. Invest in a calendar, desk organizer and folders to ensure you are always on top of your game. Muji, a Japanese retail store with three locations in the city, has a wide selection of notebooks, desk organizers and other stationary to get you organized and ready to tackle anything thrown your way.

Second, revamp your computer and smartphone.

The iStudiez Pro app will simplify your academic life. Now you can organize all of your assignments, tests and grades in one place. The Smart Summary feature gives you an overview of your activities and obligations for the day, while the Interactive Calendar lets you see everything that you need to do during any given week or month. Color-coding adds style to the app and makes it easier to follow.

Tired of carrying around endless stacks of flash cards when studying for an exam? With Mental Case, your life can now be paperless and stress-free. Create virtual stacks of notes and review them on your computer, iPhone or iPad. You can choose from different studying options based on your preference: long-term preparation or midnight cram sessions.

Third, get some advice.

Sometimes you can’t do everything on your own. When things start getting out of hand, or if you just need a few words of advice, head over to NYU’s University Learning Center.

CAS senior Gina Kim, a peer academic coach at the center, believes more students should take advantage of this valuable resource.

“What is special about the ULC is that the learning assistants are also undergraduate students who have taken these courses and know the ins and outs of the course,” Kim said. “Beyond the actual course material, we can guide you on how to focus on the right ways to study for the specific course, effectively take notes and approach the professor or TA during office hours.”

Kim also offered advice on how to get organized as classes begin.

“I suggest making a schedule to ease back into school, using whatever method works for you.” Kim said. “Google calendar, academic planner, calendar, etc.,” Kim said. “Block out times in your schedule for ‘me time,’ hanging out with friends, going to the gym, cat napping, etc., so that when you look at your full schedule it’s not too overwhelming with just work and school.”

A version of this article appeared in the Sept. 6 print edition. Katya Barannik is deputy features editor. Email her at [email protected].