As many syllabus weeks are coming to a close, the impending stress of the semester is becoming all too real and with the motivation of the New Year still fresh, it’s time to get your s*** together to make this semester the best one yet. Here are five ways to start your semester off on the right foot.

1. Go to class

Typically, you get a certain number of absences per class and that’s if your teacher even takes attendance. Sometimes, especially during the first few weeks, it gets difficult to get up and go but remember, you may get sick or have an emergency so why not save your absences for when you really need them? I know it even more difficult when your professor doesn’t take attendance but keep in mind that someone is paying money for you to get an education, whether it be you or someone helping you. Don’t waste those dolla dolla bills y’all and you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Read the syllabus

I like to go through the entire syllabus of every class and write out my assignments in my agenda for the whole semester but, in pencil so I can go back and change it later if I need to. Also, I just discovered that homework apps are a thing and you can enter all your assignments as well as set reminders on your phone. How awesome is that? It’s possible to never forget another assignment. Can I get a hoo-yaah?

3. Meet the professor

Connect with your professors, especially in your big classes where he/she can’t possibly learn all of their students’ names. Not only does this show the professor that you’re interested in making a connection with them in order to do well but, this connection can pay off in a time when you find yourself struggling since the professor knows you and has seen that you’re motivated to do well in their class. Remember that your professor loves the subject they’re teaching to you, it’s their life and livelihood (usually), so they appreciate when students take an interest and it makes you look really good.

4. Make a friend

Find someone else in the class that you can talk to about the material, bonus points if they understand the material more than you. It’s super helpful to have someone you can compare notes and knowledge with, especially before tests. Definitely worth the brief awkwardness of introducing yourself to someone new.

5. Do your homework

Make sure you complete any of the first assignments you have, even if they do not seem like a big deal. Starting off the semester with a few good grades on some easy assignments will give you some cushioning for later in the semester when the assignments get more difficult and you, maybe, don’t do so well.

These first are the most critical weeks of the semester so make sure you start them off right and set a good tone for the coming months.