Somehow it's spring semester already, even though it seems like just yesterday that you were going home for the most wonderful time of the year. After a month-long winter break full of blissful holiday cheer, getting back into the school routine is the last thing you want to do. Sure, the thought of coming back to the "social" aspect of college is fun and exciting, but it seems like finals just ended as you were reassuring yourself with promises that next semester would be your time to shine. Luckily, it's not hard to have an amazing time while also crushing the semester the way you always meant to, so do yourself a favor and do these few simple things to make your life (and your grades) the best it's ever been.
1. Set aside one night a week to do something for you
Whether it's hanging out alone on your couch with a bottle of wine and Netflix, reading a (non-school related) book, going to a movie, or even cooking yourself a bangin' dinner, do something chill that lets you relax, de-stress and hangout with yourself a little. College generally means having people around you constantly the time, so having a little "me time" is a good way to keep things in perspective.
2. Start using a piggy bank
It sounds lame, but trust me. You would be shocked at how much money can accumulate from your leftover change that you would have never used anyway. And if you're feeling bold you can even throw a couple bills in there. Before you know it, you have a serious emergency fund for when you have a negative bank balance but need that Starbucks latte before class.
3. Get a planner
This should be a requirement for every human being everywhere. Having a planner is the single way to up your organization level drastically with a minimum amount of effort. Plus, even if you forget to use it for a few days, it still feels great to retroactively write in things that you've already accomplished that week and know that you're getting things done.
4. Participate in a campus tradition
Never streaked your schools equivalent of a quad? Now is the time! Already streaked it 10 times? Do it again with all your friends! Whatever your school's traditions are, do them. You're only in college for so long and the cheesy activities are a great way to have fun and make memories.
5. Take a fitness class
If exercise really isn't your thing, try taking a class with a friend. Most schools offer free gym access and cheap classes, so take advantage of that while you can! Exercise is not only great for you, it also makes you feel great and more productive. If you already hit the gym regularly, take a class that you've never done before just to avoid getting stuck in a fitness rut and possibly discover something new to love.
6. Find the perfect study spot
And stick with it. As tempting as it is to study in your bed, your productivity will suffer when you fall asleep three pages into that book you were supposed to read last month. Find a peaceful, yet motivating spot where you thrive, whether it be your school library, your favorite coffee shop, a book store or somewhere else. Make it your study spot so you know that when you're there, you mean business.
7. Take care of your health
All-nighters can be lifesaving, but they can also be extremely detrimental to your health. Add in the three nights you went out last week, the less than ideal diet of Wawa and dining hall food, plus the last 10 weeks of vitamins that you forgot to take, and the next thing you know you're on WebMD writing your will because you just know that you're dying of a rare terminal disease. College can be stressful and take a toll on your health, so keep your well-being in mind and take care of your mental and physical health ahead of time with tips like these.
8. Make a bucket list and actually follow through with it
Make a list of everything you want to do, from seeing that new movie that just came out to sneaking onto the roof of that one academic building. Whatever you want to do, write it down and find time throughout the semester to check them all off. You'll regret not making time to do things you wanted to do a lot more than you'll ever regret actually doing them.
9. Do something outside your comfort zone
Finally, do something -- anything -- that scares you a little. If you hate talking in front of people, take a public speaking class. If organized clubs aren't really your thing, join one. If you really like that person but are too scared to do anything about it, ask them on a date. Do something that scares you and your whole perspective of yourself and your capabilities might change. You might even make some new friends in the process.
10. Organize something in your life
It can be small, like organizing your nail polish by color or alphabetizing your DVDs, or it can be big like reorganizing your whole room. Big or small, a simple act of organization can lead to organization in other aspects of your life, including your school work. Who knows, it might even lead to organizing that haphazard pile of notes in your backpack and getting those A's you know you deserve.
