Whether you’re relieved or resentful for the passing of summer, readjusting to the scholarly grind can be trying. Waking up at 1 p.m. in a bed filled with Cheeto dust? Tossing all of those textbooks in the corner so you don’t have to worry about hitting your foot? While summertime can be a relaxing opportunity, or a chance to make more money than we usually do, I’ve found that these small preparations can really help with adjusting back to the school year.
1. Email a greeting to your professor.
Emailing your professor before the school year starts can do a number of things, and the better thing is, it doesn’t have to be too long. Messaging your professor that you’re enthusiastic to be in their upcoming class is a good way to connect positively before the year even starts. Brownie points if you have a small, nonintrusive question about the course, such as, “What are some good sources where I can learn more about the topic?” Wishing them a good summer can’t hurt either.
During my time in college, I always make it a point to greet my professors and assure them that I care that they’re having a good day, and nine out of 10 times, it’s saved me in the long run. My professors never forget my name. This can also let you know if they’re the type of person that is willing to help you during the school year by how well they take the email. Is your positivity a burden to them? Let’s hope not. Just don’t send them five emails a day.
2. Make the textbook list as soon as possible!
I am lucky to know that my college bookstore price matches to Amazon and Chegg (thank goodness), but sometimes new and college-edition books can push that bookstore receipt to the high hundreds. Unfortunately, there are some things we can’t avoid. Making the textbook list as soon as you can has it’s perks. Sometimes small book shops online have the book you’re looking for significantly cheaper, but these are usually in small stock (one or two books, really). They will be the first to go. The closer to the school year, the more that you’ll start to notice shops having a smaller price range between books, and they’re all usually more expensive.
However, don’t be fooled—that doesn’t mean because you have the list you should buy your books blindly. Sometimes books listed on-site aren’t even required for the class and end up being glorified paperweights. Either ask around in class-based Facebook pages, or find someone who was in the same class the prior semester. If that's impossible, message the professor to ask if the textbook is necessary, or if a previous edition can be bought.
3. Make your last summer month your Clock Crasher month.
Our internal clocks can be frustrating. Waking up in the p.m. on your off days only makes it harder to make that 8 a.m. class. Try to start out with a schedule early, so you can wake up easier. Your brain will thank you.
4. Drink water.
This one seems a little different than the others, but drinking water is the best combatant to sluggishness. Drinking water in the morning, before you eat anything at all can help relieve headaches, reduce stress, and increase alertness; all things we’d like for the school year. Even taking a few sips of water every hour can do wonders for the body.
5. Read! And do it aloud.
Setting as little as 10 minutes of reading a day during the summer can do wonders when you’re trying to cram for a test. You’re reading right now. Reading aloud however, can help with pronunciation, vocabulary and public speaking.
We’ve all been guilty of wanting to push our obligations aside a little bit. These five things are just noninvasive ways that can really make it easier for us. Happy summer!
