Semester break came and went in the blink of an eye, and we're already a few days into the new semester here at Marshall University. The first week of the semester is very different from the others. Professors go over the syllabus, there's barely any homework (usually), and you'll have as much social time as you will all semester.

At least in my life anyway. I typically start each semester with planning and looking at what is ahead. It is usually both exciting and intimidating. I have also found that there is a period of transition between each semester. I am not in the same classes, and it sometimes takes a few days to adjust to the new schedule. I also think a lot of random things as the beginning of every semester, mainly with regards to a new beginning and how I am not certain what the next 4 months have in store. I don't know, maybe we might be in the same place on that.

1. (Night before the first day) "I know exactly what outfit I am going to wear. I have it all laid out, including accessories and perfume. I know this only happens once a semester, so I gotta do this right!"

That is not false in the slightest. What is a better way to start off the new semester with a cute outfit you got for Christmas, complete with those adorable dangly earrings?

2. (Wakes up at 6:30 AM for 8:00 class) "This is going to be such a struggle in the next few weeks, if not sooner."

I am not a morning person in the slightest, so the struggle is definitely real.

3. "When will I have time to take a nap and/or eat?"

Sometimes I forget to eat and I realize at the end of the day how tired I am. I realize neither are very healthy. Both will happen eventually however.

4. "I love how light my backpack is! It is never gonna be this way again until finals week."

Don't start killing your back just yet with heavy textbooks. You got 15 weeks ahead for that. Be kind to your shoulders now.

5. "I have to head to class at 12:30. Oh wait! That was last semester."

That actually happened to me this morning. I did not go to the classroom thankfully, but I had momentarily forgotten that I no longer had to go to my history seminar.

6. "I really like this class so far! The professor seems to be really relaxed and it does not seem like they will be a hard grader. I hope it stays like this."

I have not personally experienced this, but one of my friends had a class once where once the add/drop period was over, the class was so much more challenging and the professor was so much more picky and stressful. Not cool.

7. "FRIEND!!" I've missed you so much!!"

Let's be honest. Whether it's the first week after Christmas break or summer, going an extended amount of time without your best friends can be hard. It is always exciting to get back to your people.

8. "I am going to study a lot every night and it is my goal to get a 4.0 GPA this semester!"

Go you for setting the bar high! It will end up being lowered though after the first exam and reality sets in. High five though for the optimism!

9. "RIP my bank account. It was eaten alive by textbook fees."

Amazon and Chegg have been my best friends the past few years, always being there to console my debit card with cheaper prices. However, books are still expensive!

10. "I have a really good feeling about this semester."

It is the beginning of a new section of a chapter in your life. Each section has its own unique trials, but there will also be fond and precious memories. Starting off the semester choosing to make the next few months great is the first step towards a successful semester, both in and out of the classroom.