College students are often extremely busy, especially during the first semester. Whether you’re battling midterm exams or simply keeping up with extracurriculars, it can be difficult to carve out time in your schedule. That is why when it comes to an activity as important as voting, it’s best to plan ahead.

Headquartered in New Jersey and operating nationwide, On Campus Marketing, or OCM, serves over 900 campuses nationwide and has made shopping for college essentials easier and more affordable for over six million families and counting. During their 35-year tenure, they have given over $50 million back to student organizations across the country. The organization is committed to developing the potential of students and improving their campus communities through the effective action of their fundraising programs. OCM has put together a fool-proof guide for how to register to vote on your college campus.

Decide Where to Register

According to OCM, many students fail to realize that they often have a choice of which state they can register to vote in. If you go to college in the same state as where you’re from, then you have to register in that state. However, if you are attending an out of state college, then you can choose whether you want to vote in the state that the college is located or your home state.

When making this decision, there are a few factors to consider. First, you may want to ask yourself if either state is a swing state. If so, then your vote may make more of a difference if you register in that state, compared to one that historically always votes the same way. Second, you will want to consider how easy it is to cast an absentee ballot. For example, if you decide to vote in your home state, but you won’t be in your home state on election day, then you will need to get an absentee ballot sent to you. In general, voting by absentee ballot requires a bit of extra effort compared with traditional voting. Lastly, you may also wish to consider your future. If you plan to move back to your home state after graduation, then perhaps you would prefer to register to vote in your home state where you will get to experience the long term impacts of your vote, should the candidate you vote for win.

Research Deadlines and Eligibility Requirements

Once you’ve made a decision as to which state you’re going to register to vote in, it’s time to do a bit of research and find out that state’s voting deadlines and eligibility requirements. OCM warns that each state has different deadlines and requirements, so don’t assume that the way one state does it is how they all do it. This year where much of the voting is being done by mail-in ballot, it is especially important to find out this information early and get your vote in as early as possible. There is likely a student-run group on campus that can provide you with this information if you’re having trouble finding it.

A few general voting requirements to keep in mind are that you must be 18 years of age in order to vote and you must be a United States citizen who meets the state’s residency requirements, has completed voter registration by the deadline, and who can provide ID on voting day.

Register to Vote

Finally, once you’ve done your research, it’s time to actually register to vote. Registering to vote is relatively simple and many college campuses across the United States have places on-campus where students can register. Although voter registration requirements vary in each state, the process generally includes you filling out a form and providing a personal ID, such as a driver’s license.

Students can register to vote in one of three ways: in person, online, or by mail. If you prefer to vote in person, campuses often have student canvassers walking around with registration forms. Typically, student government representatives will also visit classrooms to pass around forms. If you prefer to vote online or by mail, visit your state’s voting page where the relevant information can easily be found.

Remember that voting is not only your duty as a U.S. citizen, but also a privilege. Exercise your right to vote and let your voice be heard!