As the second semester approaches, we tend to forget that there's less of a buffer period between when we get back and when classes start that it's easy to forget a lot of things. I've compiled a list of some specific reminders and then some general reminders to help us all transition back a little smoother.
1. Drop Classes You Don't Want!
Drop and Add period, at least for my school spans for the first week from January 18th to January 26th. Utilize this time. If there's a class that's really not working for you, if there's a professor you just can't learn from, if you think this class is going to cause you significant stress over the course of the semester, drop it. And if you're looking to add an overload, make sure there's room in the class, add it, and get that overload request form taken care of and dropped off at the registrar's office!
2. Order Your Textbooks
If you're like me and you're three hundred percent sure you won't be dropping any classes/you kind of need all of your current classes for your major(s), then order your textbooks ahead of time. One of my professors has already assigned a chapter due for the first day of class and knowing my other professors, they're going to get right into it when classes start. So it's always good to have your books on the first day. Saves you the headache of waiting on them to arrive in the mail room, and in the end it'll save you a couple extra dollars if you take the time to find a cheaper copy. (here's a great website for comparing textbook prices!)
3. Think About Housing!
I know, I know. It seems a little premature to do so, but housing selection comes up on you much sooner than you think. It's important to consider who you want to live with. If your current roommate sucks, might be a good idea to reconsider. And remember, a good friend does not mean a good living companion. Find someone with compatible habits who you're not going to want to kill mid-semester. Also, if you want to be a Resident Assistant, pay attention to the announcements! They'll be coming around soon, interviews and applications and all that hullabaloo.
4. Work in Some Healthy Habits
Drink water everyday, try to get a reasonable amount of sleep, actually have breakfast before your morning classes, eat all three meals, come up with some mindful goals like keeping a journal, smiling at everyone you see, cutting out the negativity. A healthy person is defined by someone who is not only physically well, but mentally and emotionally well. Take care of yourselves this semester.
5. Watch Your Spending
It's easy to suddenly blow every cent in your savings account when your friends want to go eat out all the time, or when you're bored and suddenly Amazon impulse buying seems like a good idea. Keep track of how much you're spending. There are hundreds of money tracking apps to put on your phone, download one. It is crucial to establish good savings habit early on in life, otherwise you'll find yourself at the end of the road with nothing but a couple dollars. Suddenly, that midnight pizza three times a week feels like a much bigger mistake.
6. Friends Are Important But...
You're in college for you. Remember that you have the power to say no. Midnight rendezvous sound good in theory, but not when you have an eight am the next morning. Be reasonable in the choices you make and remember to draw the line between school work and friends.
7. Your School Work Is Important But...
So is being with friends. If you're like me and find yourself living in the library Sunday night through Thursday night, Friday and Saturday better be your days to have fun. Hang out with whoever you want, do whatever you want. Be able to have a good time as a way to reward yourself for working hard. You deserve it.
8. Sometimes You'll Feel Like You Can't Do Anything
Breathe. Stop panicking. Take a break. But not a long break. The best way to combat lack of motivation is to take it slowly. Have a paper due tomorrow? Break it down into sections. Can't think? Take a twenty minute break to doodle, to go get something to eat, to work on something else. Don't stop what you're doing and go decide to watch a movie, or binge watch a show, thinking that you'll get to the work eventually. Find small ways to be productive and it'll help you focus on the big picture.
9. Sometimes You'll Feel Like You CAN Do
Don't. You're going to burn yourself out. Breathe. Take a step back. Take advantage of this burst of motivation and get things done. Don't try to get multiple things done quickly, focus on one thing at a time. Be efficient, don't overwhelm yourself.
10. Make It Count.
Every semester in college is a step closer to the work world, to a career. The things you're learning are important. The people you're meeting are influential. The person you're becoming, is unsure. But trying. Do everything to your fullest ability. Believe in yourself. Remember why you're in college. Trust your instincts. Have a good semester.
