A new semester is on the horizon. If you're like me, you get an excited feeling each time a new semester begins. Instead of seeing each new semester as one step closer to graduation, I see each one as a new beginning. A new semester can be a time where a person starts over with a clean slate and makes changes, such as new goals or a better outlook on where you're going in life.

With half of another school year in the books, bucket lists start getting formed by college students everywhere. Whether you're a second-semester freshman or you're preparing to make that much-earned walk across the stage towards your diploma, the competition of another school year is a big deal. As the final 16 weeks of this school year begin, here are a few simple reminders to keep in the back of your mind to make this semester the best one yet.

Be adventurous.

These four years are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and taking chances are pivotal in getting as much out of it as you can. Remind yourself to step outside your comfort zone every now and then. Speaking from experience, it might surprise you how much you learn about yourself from doing so.

Keep your head up during tough times.

Life knocks you down sometimes, but when it does, remind yourself that everything happens for a reason and you'll come out of the situation much stronger than you were before.

Lean on others around you.

If you come across stressful or upsetting moments this semester, don't forget to lean on your friends for their support. We are all overwhelmed at one point during the semester, so chances are that one of your friends has gone through a similar situation.

Treat yo self.

This phrase is often taken lightly, but in this sense it's not. Take time to reward yourself for working as hard as you do. The week after that big test deserves a night out to blow off some steam. An awesome week at the gym deserves a cheat day. Treating yourself with small incentives is never a bad thing when it's well deserved.

Do what makes you happy.

Do what you love, love what you do. It's as simple as that. If you enjoy what you're doing, then you will likely be much more passionate about it.

Many aspects of a semester make it what it is. Grades, a social life, and extracurricular activities all come into play. As this semester passes by, remind yourself of these five things from time to time. Most importantly, take this semester and run with it. After all, these years will fly by before we know it.