Student Tools: OneBigU

OneBigU’s slogan says it all, “Answer Questions, Help Darfur.” OneBigU is the brainchild of Eric Cheung, a University of Toronto graduate. The idea came when I was stuck on an assignment for school. Sure, I could call up a friend or pester them with messages, but why do that? I was pretty sure I wasn’t the only student in the world to be stuck on this particular problem. If only there was a place...

GTD Mastery 100: Step 22

To read my complete journey to GTD Mastery see the main post. Step 22 to GTD Mastery is: My computer files are set up for maximum productivity. Above is a screenshot of all my files. Even with nearly 50,000 files spanning multiple computers, managing my digital data is painless. Organizing The first step is to establish a folder hierarchy. If you have multiple computers, I recommend using the same structure on each to...

Student Tools: ClearCheckbook

On GearFire, I write about productivity and time management. If the adage “time is money” is true, then students need to manage their money too. Enter ClearCheckbook, a free Web 2.0 application for personal finance. ClearCheckbook runs under the slogan “money management made easy” and I can wholeheartedly agree having used it for the last six months. Registration is simple, requiring only your...

GTD Mastery 100: Step 21

To read my complete journey to GTD Mastery see the main post. Step 21 to GTD Mastery is: I have a mobile office space set up, if needed. As a student, it is definitely needed. Utilizing the time inbetween classes, events, and extracurriculars is crucial. This alone can make or break your academic success. This semester I was fortunate enough to schedule my classes with no gaps. I like hard transitions during my day (e.g....

GTD Mastery 100: Step 20

To read my complete journey to GTD Mastery see the main post. Step 20 to GTD Mastery is: I have all the office supplies I need (p. 92) Page 92 in Getting Things Done refers to a list of tools for your work space. Paper-holding trays (at least three) A stack of plain letter-size paper A pen/pencil Post-its (3X3s) Paper clips Binder clips A stapler and staples Scotch tape Rubber bands An automatic labeler File folders A...