A new year brings a new semester, along with an opportunity to take what you learned and improve. I am always learning new and better ways to handle the college life, even as a junior. As I look back on the fall semester, I'll be making a few changes for the new year that many others may be making as well...
1. No 8 a.m. classes.
from: http://healthtoday.com/
I will never understand how I was able to make it to school at 7 a.m. in high school. Or how I have no problem making it to work by 8:30 in the morning. However, last semester, I could barely make it on time to my 8 a.m. class. With working evenings, doing homework, and wanting at least a little bit more sleep, I decided to pass on the 8 a.m. class and choose one that’s just a little bit later. My new year resolution is to be on time to class every day.
2. Save money; Make my own coffee.
from: https://www.everydollar.com
Last semester, I was fortunate enough to have a class in the same building as the café. Coffee right upstairs every morning? Score! Well, not for my bank account. This semester, I plan on making my own coffee and avoiding the café altogether. Luckily, I don’t have a class in that building. Score for my bank account!
3. Digital books
from: http://www.somalilandpress.com
I have always preferred the paper copy over the digital. I always thought that it was easier to just flip to a page number rather than find the page on your computer or Ipad. However, now that books are up to $200 dollars cheaper if you rent a digital copy, I have switched sides. I have thrown out my love for paper copies and embraced the age of technology. A college kid will give up anything to save a little money!
4. Use the Library.
from: http://www.skwarchitects.com
Confession: I have never used the library to study. I have always been eager to go home once class ended. However, this semester I plan on breaking that streak. The library exists to give us students a quiet place to study while also providing an abundance of resources. Perhaps it will improve study habits or become more familiar with the library’s materials. Either way, the library is free and available to use— so why shouldn’t we use it?
5. Plan. Plan. Plan.
from: http://www.hercampus.com
Don’t get me wrong— I used my planner last semester. I wrote down to-do lists for specific weeks every now and then, but this semester, the planner will be where everything for school, work, and any important event is written down. Having a planner can help keep priorities organized and let you know if you actually have time to go out with your friends (or stay home and write that paper).
What are you doing differently this semester?
