Yep, it’s about that time. Summer is transitioning into fall and we all know what that means… Back to school. And nothing is harder than trying to change your mindset from beaches and partying to hibernating in the library (and partying). I've put together some tips for all my fellow college kids on having a successful semester:
1. Get a planner.
I don't know how people go through college (and life) without planners, tbh. It's a great way to schedule out your days and organize deadlines and other important dates. My Lilly Pulitzer planner is my LIFE. And the cute lil stickers that come with it may just be the best part.
2. Prioritize.
School should always come first, ALWAYS. Go to class. Know the material. Get your assignments in on time. Study, study, study. Everything else should come second.
3. Cut out distractions.
It's safe to say we're all pretty much addicted to Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and whatever else. Social media can be super distracting, at this point we're all conditioned to it and it's the norm to scroll through your social media throughout the day. The only way I can cut out these distractions is by turning my phone off when I'm studying and simply cutting myself off from it completely.
3. Make lists.
This is my favorite thing to do in the world. Literally. The feeling of crossing things off a to-list are borderline amazeballs. Make a list of at least 10 things you need to do in a day, and then work on the top 5 most important. When you're done with those 5, it's on to the next. And that's how you get shit done. Yaaaas.
3. Take breaks + reward yourself.
For every hour of studying, reward yourself with 15 minutes of Instagramming, or Twittering, or Pinning, or whatever. Give yourself a break - you've earned it! Use a timer, and when the 15 minutes are up, go right back to your to-do list.
4. Eat.
I know we've all been there, where we're 2 hours into a cram sesh in the library and our stomachs are literally screaming bloody murder. It's the absolute worst. You can't concentrate, you can't focus or think straight at all. What I've learned from that is to pack 2 lunches and lots and lots of snacks. Make sure you're eating 3 meals a day, and drinking plenty of water.
5. Get enough sleep.
When dealing with 15+ hour days, it's hard to cram relaxation time in, but ya gotta. It's the only way you'll function properly. Try to get to sleep at a decent time so that you have at least 7 hours of sleep in you. If that's not possible, make sure to schedule in a nap so that you can get back on your grind.
College is a crucial time in your life. It should be spent having fun as well as setting yourself up for success in the future. Don't pay $50,000 a year just to party. Challenge yourself this semester to get all A's. You've got this.
