As college students across the country start their Fall semesters, many are full of hope for the new school year. No matter how your previous semesters have gone (or of this is your first semester of college), this is a chance to have a fresh start. If you want to have a successful semester, follow these fifteen tips to ensure that you make Fall 2017 your best semester yet!

1. Make some realistic goals.

If you do not have any goals for the semester, then what are you striving towards? Simply telling yourself to try your best and study isn't usually effective. A good academic goal to set is making the dean's list. This will cause you to carefully watch your grades and put in the extra effort so that you can achieve your goal.

2. Use a planner.

Planners are not overrated. They should be on your school supply list alongside your pens and notebooks. Planners are great for tracking school assignments, social commitments, work schedules, and personal obligations. Using a different colored pen for each of these categories makes it easier to quickly see what each week will consist of. Planners are great but remember, they only work if you actually take the time to use them. Force yourself to write everything in it and plan out every week. When you are organized, you can manage your time effectively and ensure that you have enough time to do everything.

3. Plan out each day.

When you start a new semester, it is so important to get into a general routine for each day of the week. Aside from classes and work, actually plan what you are going to do in between classes and work. Plan out a time for when you want to write that paper, study, do homework, do laundry, etc. These tasks will never get done if you don't plan for them.

4. Take time for yourself.

On the weekends or even on a weeknight when you have a couple hours to yourself, spend some time taking care of yourself. You are around other people so much in college and you will treasure your alone time. At least once a week, try to spend some time by yourself doing something fun or relaxing. Watch some Netflix, get a coffee, or take a nap. Alone time is precious and necessary for you to stay sane.

5. Make time for friends and family.

Of course, you will be busy this semester, everyone is. However, do not forget about your friends and family. Call your mom and answer her texts. She still worries about you and wants to know that you are okay. Make time for your friends too. Make lunch plans, dinner plans, Thursday night plans, and etc. with them. Be there for them when they need you and hopefully they will be there for you too. College is a great time to make some genuine friendships so don't let that opportunity pass you by.

6. Don't wait until the last minute to do things.

This is so obvious but it is very true. Doing some school work at the last minute is fine but you really can't put off those big projects, portfolios, papers, community service hours, or applications for the last minute. If you write your deadlines in your planner and check it regularly, then there should be no excuse for waiting until the last possible second to get things done. Your work will also be a lot better if you give yourself an adequate amount of time to do it.

7. Join organizations and clubs.

Getting involved on campus can give you valuable experiences and friendships. Yes, they can also boost your resume but do not join just because you can put it on your resume. Do not join organizations just because your friends are either. You have to be passionate about whatever you join. Otherwise, you will end up hating it.

8. Give your clubs and organizations your best effort.

If you have found some groups on campus to be a part of, that is great! If you joined for the right reasons and you enjoy them, then you should be happy! However, no matter how much you love your organizations and clubs, people get busier as the semester goes on. Although, you made a commitment to this organization and you should not abandon them because you are not managing your time properly. Your organization or club is counting on you to do what you signed up for. Unless you are really going through a difficult time, you should honor the commitment you made. If you plan things properly, you should have enough time to participate in your clubs at school. Use you planner and schedule your schoolwork around events/meetings. Take a step back from your clubs if you absolutely need to but try to honor your commitment to them and attend as many events/meetings as you can.

9. Get enough sleep.

This is a tough thing to do but you should really try to get enough sleep each night. If you find yourself not being able to sleep though, take naps during the day if you can (just don't nap too late in the day). Remember that even if it seems like everyone else is staying up late all the time, you don't have to. If you have early classes, this is especially important.

10. Stay hydrated.

Staying hydrated is very important. Make sure you drink water throughout the day and before you go to bed so you don't wake up with a headache. You do not want to get dehydrated while you're at school and drinking water will make you feel better overall.

11. Ask questions during class and take advantage of office hours.

Your professors are there to help you learn. If you don't understand something, ask questions. Other students probably have similar questions as you do. Obviously, you cannot take up too much class time by asking a lot of questions but you can always go to office hours. If you have class during a professor's office hours, reach out to them and ask if you could meet with them at a different time. Professors appreciate it when students make an effort to meet with them.

12. Eat well.

This can be difficult but you really have to eat well. You don't want to gain a lot of weight in college because you will feel sluggish a lot. Eating well will help you feel better overall and will keep you from gaining weight. College students are exhausted as it is and not eating well will make you feel even worse.

13. Study.

This is another obvious one but you really have to study in college. Some classes are based mostly off of exam scores so you have to do well. Not studying may have allowed you to do okay in high school but that won't work in college. As you get older, your classes will get harder and you will have to study even more. Study in a way that works for you: join a study group, study alone, or study with one other friend. Make flashcards and study guides. Do whatever you have to do in order to get a good grade.

14. Decorate your room and desk the way you want.

Whether you're living on campus or at home, having a good place to study will help you out a lot. Make your dorm room feel like home: hang up pictures, use colors you like, and make it comfortable. Keep your desk organized as well and make sure you have plenty of school supplies. You don't want to be studying or sleeping in a space that you're uncomfortable in.

15. Have fun.

You will only be an undergraduate student once. Enjoy the experience. Go to the sporting events, hang out with your friends, go on late-night fast food runs, and enjoy yourself. You have to de-stress sometimes in order to stay sane. You will miss being in college one day.