Summer is over, classes are starting back up, and a new semester is underway. I love new beginnings because they allow you to reflect on your past and set new goals. Here are some tips that will instantly improve your semester:
1. Make a weekly schedule for yourself.
Especially after just having four months off, you’re definitely more prone to procrastinating and over sleeping. Jot down an outline of your weekly classes, then fill in when you want to grab your meals, when you want to hit the gym, or get a study room in the library, anything. It doesn’t have to encompass all of your activities but it will give you a foundation for easing back into the semester.
2. Take your syllabus seriously and mark deadlines on a calendar before you ball it up and stuff it in a drawer.
Sure, syllabus week is basically a week of free passes, as professors and students alike take shorter class periods just to explain what the semester will hold. When they pass out your syllabus, please glance at it. I marked down deadline when I got mine last semester, and they saved me many times! Don’t expect your professor to remind you when deadlines are approaching, they have got bigger fish to fry!
3. Find some healthy food in the caf that you actually enjoy.
No, I don’t believe that you don’t like ANY of the fruits, and you can’t stand salad. Listen, a plate full of fries, pizza, and sushi gets old really quickly, and adding in some natural foods will really go a long way. I’m not saying go nuts and give up anything, just make small changes. Do you usually cook eggs or pasta? Add some peppers or spinach, and cut back on the oil. Do you typically end every single meal with a huge plate of dessert? Throw some fresh fruit on your ice cream, or just tell yourself you’re only going to have dessert after dinner. Whatever it takes, I promise, Your energy levels and waist line will thank you.
4. Take the involvement fair seriously and join a new club and/or organization.
Yes, you are busy and the fall semester has the potential to make or break a lot of students. To break up the monotony of your “Class. Library. Bed. Repeat” lifestyle find a group on campus that you can align with and join them! Take two hours out of your week to sing your heart out in a choir, look seriously into the fantastic Greek organizations all around you, let your voice be heard in student government, lace your dance shoes back up, or read that poetry collection that you’ve been hoarding all these years… whatever it is, I strongly encourage you to pursue your passion with a group of like minded people. You will find support, friendships, and so much love. You may even eventually take on a leadership role! Anything is possible. Please, make sure to learn about the time commitments and membership requirements beforehand.
5. Put the Netflix down and go to a party.
One Friday night of the semester will not make or break your GPA. Once again, this is a common sense one, if you know you have a huge bio exam Monday morning, maybe you should stay under the covers with that textbook… Use your better judgment. This is college. You have almost more to learn outside of the classroom than you do inside it. Go out to a party and be social. Make new memories with your friends, you never know what you will find. Don’t feel pressured to drink or partake in anything that makes you uncomfortable, that’s definitely not the direction of this advice. So many people equate college kids to sloppy drunks, and while I have seen my fair share, they aren’t the majority. There are more people who just want to dance, let loose, and be kids. I’m urging you to take a step outside of your comfort zone and socialize. Meet the faces you see in class, in the caf, or walking by in your dorm. You won’t regret it.
6. Volunteer.
“I don’t have time.”
“ I did community service in high school so I’m good.”
“It’s not really my thing.”
Stop making excuses as to why you can’t help someone. People seem to have this grand idea that volunteering requires hours upon hours of backbreaking labor and is something only crazy church people do. This is not true. There are so many ways to serve. You can donate an hour at a nursing home, write cards to soldiers, assemble care packages for homeless people, even read baby books at a local library, and countless other acts that require minimal time and effort. These tiny acts of love and kindness make an impact that is beyond what you can see. It’s a natural high, the feeling you get when you know you’ve made someone’s day or life better. I really encourage you find time in your life to volunteer. It puts things in perspective, and keeps you humble about all the blessings in your daily life.
7. Start showing up on time.
This is self explanatory. You can spend hours picking out your outfit or your matching sneakers and applying all that expensive makeup, but if you walk in to a classroom or a job late, your first impression has already been made. It’s a simple change to make, set your alarm ten minutes earlier, maybe pick out your clothes the night before. Whatever you need to do to, make a point of getting to your destination at least ten minutes before you are expected there. The early bird truly does get the worm. You might find this a good time to ask your professor questions or talk to classmates about the next paper. Make sure that first impression is worthwhile.
8. Pass on the all-nighter and get some sleep.
Your body needs it and your friends will be there tomorrow.
9. Make a resume.
This may sound crazy, especially if you haven’t worked, or aren’t looking for a job. However, having a resume is a “big girl/boy” thing that will really help you out in the future. You never know what potential employers or internship opportunities you might come across. Having a prepared resume is really comforting, because you now have the confidence of knowing you are always prepared. Go to an advisor or Career Center on your campus to get some tips on how to make one.
10. Make time for yourself.
If you’ve been studying so hard for that Math exam that you could cry, close the book and stop. There comes a point where you are no longer useful and when you’ve fried your brain there is no use trying to stuff it full of any more information. Take a long hot shower, throw on a movie, go get your nails done, take a nap, whatever it is, take some time out for some self love. You are a student and nobody expects you to have everything perfect. I guarantee everyone you know and love would rather see you fail that math exam then do something irrational because you’re way over stressed. Relax, and take some pressure off yourself.
Believe me, I’m no expert when it comes to having awesome semesters. These tips are some that I have noticed have really improved my quality of college life, and I hope by sharing them they will have the same effect on others. To all students reading this, best wishes for your best semester yet!
