A new semester is a fresh start. It’s time to ditch all the bad habits of last semester and start over. With each new semester comes a new schedule, which is better to master at the beginning than in the middle or even the end. In order to stay on top of the new semester, organization is key.
Create a mock schedule
Get all your classes lined up and make a tentative hourly schedule. This helps you visualize the best time to watch Netflix, nap, and hang out with your friends while not neglecting your school work. Of course, tentative schedules can always change with the need, but it’s a good place to start to maximize productivity and free time.
Write down all your assignments
At the beginning of the semester, grab all your syllabi and write down every assignment in a central location, whether it be your planner or an excel spreadsheet. Writing down all your assignments together will let you assess your busy weeks and your not so busy weeks. Knowing all your due dates also helps you determine the best time to start working on projects and assignments.
Don’t burn yourself out too quickly
It’s common for students to begin their semester planning to study for eight to ten hours per day, which only lasts for so long. Afterwards, the academic burn out begins and these previously ambitious students start slacking. Instead, start with a reasonable amount of studying per day that fits your academic needs, and increase or decrease the time accordingly.
Make sure to schedule free time
Most people go out with their friends whenever they ask or if they aren’t doing anything else of importance. Although it’s important to learn how to say no and to make sure that work is done when it needs to be, it’s also important to make time for leisure. Whether it just be an hour or two of Netflix a day or time to go out and shop, make sure you have some free time to keep you from getting too overwhelmed with work.
The key to a successful semester is balance. It’s important to keep everything organized and together, but also to leave some time to be messy and spontaneous. It’s never too late to change some habits and get your semester in order early on.
