Maybe you are ready to go back to school, maybe not. Either way, it is happening and there is really no way to avoid it. You're best off making the best of it! Second semester can be just as great as the first but here are a few tips to make it as best as possible!
1. Use your planner
Using your planner is something that you hopefully did during first semester but if not this is a good time to start. Update it BEFORE your classes start with whatever big events or dates you already know, such as spring break and finals week. After getting your syllabus for each class make sure to put all due dates and important dates in your agenda then, too. Keep up with this as the year goes on, and you will be on your way to a successful semester!
2. Put the Netflix away
Trust me, I understand how hard this can be sometimes. It is okay to watch some Netflix here and there but this is an important time of the year. You want to get off on the right foot, so for now, put it away. You just had about a month off of school where you had all the time in the world to catch up on your favorite shows, so as hard as it may seem, this is the time to step away from the Netflix.
3. Get to know your new schedule
No matter how well you think you know the campus there is still always the possibility of getting lost. You may know exactly where the building is that you are supposed to be at but have no idea where the classroom is. If you can, figure out where your classes are ahead of time and leave earlier than you would on a normal day of class. Along with making sure you have your class schedule mastered down, you should also make sure you know what days you are busy with other activities. If you joined any new clubs, try to figure out when and where they meet. If you took a new position in any club and have to meet more often or at different times than you are used to, figure that schedule out. An organized schedule at the beginning of the semester will help you the rest of the semester!
4. Don't be afraid to make new friends
Friends are something that you can never have too many of. Your friends that you made last semester or any time before that are great and of course I am not saying that you can't keep those friends. All I am trying to say is that you should not feel like you are stuck with the same group of people for all of college. New classes means new people, so venture out and go out of your way to introduce yourself to them!
5. Stock up on everything that you need
You cleaned out your refrigerator before break, meaning that there is nothing left inside of it now. You probably ran yourself out of almost everything, telling yourself that you were going home for break soon so you wanted to use up whatever was left. Whether it is food or shampoo, you need to stock up on everything! You probably need new notebooks or loose-leaf paper too so don't forget to stock up on that stuff too!
6. Tidy up your room
Mess equals stress and stress is not something that you want to start your year off with. Clean off your desk, clear out your drawers and organize your closet. This may not last very long if you are anything like me but to start off the year nice and clean will make you feel accomplished and unstoppable!
7. Get more sleep
Let's face it, the deeper you get into the semester, the more work will be required. These first few weeks back are usually the easiest, so get in now as much sleep as you possibly can. Take advantage of the extra hour or so you have because of the lack of homework and go to bed early! Even if you cannot fall asleep earlier, lay down earlier and go on your phone. Just take advantage of that extra rest time you have!
8. Have a positive attitude
A negative attitude is all it takes to ruin a semester. Don't go into a class thinking "gosh, this class is going to be so hard and horrible". Instead go into it thinking "this class might be one of my more challenging classes this semester but I am going to learn so much!" A positive outlook on any situation can get you far!
9. Update your room--change out some of your old pictures for newer ones, or rearrange your room if you would like (with the consent of your roommate)
Similar to tidying up your room, it is nice to switch things up once in awhile. Swap some of your old pictures you have hanging up for newer ones. Rearrange your room so that you can start the semester off with something completely new but of course make sure to talk to your roommate(s) before doing so. With the change of the semester happening, some other change may be fun too!
10. Push yourself out of your comfort zone
Go sit next to that cute boy in your class on the first day rather than sitting next to the girls in the corner. Sit towards the front of the classroom instead of hiding in the back. Join a new club, or take up a new position in a club you are already a part of. Say hello to the people down the hall that you still, sadly, do not know very well. Do whatever it takes to get yourself out of your comfort zone because college is such a wonderful time to try new things and see what you enjoy!
