As most college students gear up for the spring semester after a restful and much-needed winter break it may be time to readjust and reevaluate if your last semester didn’t go quite as well as you wanted to. Maybe you lost motivation halfway through and as a senior, I admit the struggle is real, especially when it comes to staying focused all semester long. However, when you keep your mindset on what you're learning and how it can benefit you, your motivation will be in full swing this upcoming semester. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind to help you kill it next semester:

1. Get passionate

If you aren’t liking any of your classes or you are having a difficult time staying motivated it’s time for a change. Sure, college is supposed to be challenging, and well, a bit confusing. Maybe you aren’t sure if your major is for you, or you don’t know if you’re headed in the right direction. That makes perfect sense, but if you find all your classes dull, it is time to reevaluate your courses. The beauty of college is that you get to decide your area of focus based on what interests you. Get involved with major focuses RSOs or clubs. Surround yourself with other passionate individuals. Try to find courses that make all the class discussions, papers and research projects worth it. It will make all the extra work not seem too tedious and more exciting in the long run.

2. Go to class

If you aren’t motivated or passionate, going to class isn’t going to be something you look forward to on a semi-weekly basis. Yes, there may be some days when you don’t want to skip joyfully to your 8 a.m., but for the most part, you should be motivated enough and want to attend your classes. College classes are at most 3 hours. Instead of taking a nap or watching Netflix, get your butt up and go to class. On top of that do you really want to waste the hefty expense your paying by skipping class? Think of all the other people that would kill for a college education and make going to class worth your time and energy.

3. When in doubt, plan it out

There is no doubt in the fact that everyone needs a planner. I am all for the cute planners college girls sponsor throughout campus, but the aesthetic of your planner isn’t as necessary as utilizing it (not going to lie though, it makes writing in it more fun). Use your planner! Time management! Write out on the daily what you need to get done, what plans you made, and what you would like to accomplish. This will keep you focused and prepared, yet also leaves you more time for spontaneous hangouts that come your way.

4. Get you a study buddy

Every girl needs a friend that is down to go to the library. However, don’t pick a friend that is going to sit there and chat with you the whole time, thus allowing you to get nothing done! Find a friend that will want to stay an extra hour with you to help you study just a little bit more than plan. Look to this friend for ~Monday motivation~ when you don’t want to get anything done. For example, shout out to my sister, who is a nursing major, whenever I feel like I am not studying enough I hit the library with her and one look at her color-coded notes has me getting my study on. Surround yourself with goal-oriented people and you will be more likely succeed.

5. Stay focused

Staying focused is key when you need to study extensive materials or work on long-term projects. Do this in small doses to avoid cramming. Take time every day to have little breaks. For example, go on a run in the morning before your long day of classes or take a walk in between study sessions. Eating well, moving around and getting fresh air is key to your sanity. This will allow you to be better engaged and produce quality work.

College isn’t easy, but reward yourself with your accomplishments and don’t compare your abilities to others.Try your best, think positive and the opportunities will come along the way. Don’t forget education is truly a gift, honor it and seek joy in being a life-long learner.