The first step to an organized schedule is to develop a term overview. Review your course materials and write down when assignments, tests, papers, and other requirements are due. Try to do this on one page so you can get a good look at how you might approach meeting all these requirements and which weeks may be more or less intense during the term. Keep the term overview in a spot where you'll see it regularly and maintain it by adding any new requirements or revisions as they come up. A good term overview can provide you with a road map which will help you anticipate and plan for the obstacles you are bound to run into during each term.
Next, if you don't already have one, get a good weekly planner; one that breaks each day into hourly blocks of time. Pick a day and time when you will fill out your schedule each week. Start by filling in all the fixed time; blocks in the week; class times, labs, work schedule, practices, etc. Now, let's get down to business; when are you going to study? Try to fit in as much study time as you can during the day on weekdays; you'll be surprised how much you can accomplish between classes. Try to arrange study times in smaller blocks throughout the week as opposed to one or two large blocks of time. Vary the content of subjects studied as much as possible. Take time to talk with friends about how they approach their work; they may have some good tips for you.
Now, for some fun. Remember to take care of yourself! Schedule in the things you enjoy most, and include ample sleep and regular meals. Sleeping and eating are essential for high performance and are often the first things to go under pressure. Reward yourself for sticking to your schedule and keeping up with your work by taking a little time off. Make sure that you schedule in some time each day to relax, keep up with family and friends, and maintain your perspective on life. You will be a happier, healthier, and more effective student by taking care of all your needs and maintaining a sense of balance in your life.
Try to be realistic when setting up your schedule; remember that it is only a goal you are working toward. Things are bound to come up during the week; be flexible and try to get back on track as soon as you can. Review and rewrite your schedule weekly. Experiment with different ways of putting things together. There is no perfect schedule for everyone; find what fits best for you. Most of all, be patient. If you stick with scheduling, in a few weeks you'll be rewarded with some new habits which, if maintained, will serve you well throughout your college and work career.
You say, "I don't want to be run by some schedule, I want the freedom to live day to day." True freedom is found in taking control of your time. How much freedom is there in missing an outing with friends because you failed to aniticipate an important test? How free do you feel when you can't relax because you're constantly anxious about being behind in your classes? With the seven-week terms here at WPI, you probably won't have the luxury of taking things as they come and meeting academic demands. So take some time today-early in the school year-to establish some habits which will make you a happier, more successful student.