Summer is coming to an end. In two short weeks we will all be back on campus and we’re not sure if we are mentally prepared to start up the semester. Put your mind at ease so you can be fully prepared for the upcoming semester by using these tips.
1. Invest in a planner.
Not only invest in a planner, but actually use it. When you receive each of your class’s syllabi, write down all the assignments and when they are due to prevent yourself from shuffling at the last minute. That way you won’t have to be pulling an all nighter drinking more caffeine than humanely possible to get everything done on time. Bonus points: color code your classes to stay even more organized.
2.Make a daily/weekly schedule.
Each Sunday night put aside 10 minutes and write out your schedule for each day in the upcoming week. This will save you time during the week when you are trying to remember if you are scheduled to work on Tuesday or Wednesday. It will also ease your mind for the week and help you be organized.
3. Adjust your sleep schedule.
If you have a course schedule like most, you probably have classes that start before noon---if not earlier. This means you more than likely have to wake up before noon to get to your classes. Make your life a little easier and start adjusting your sleep schedule before your classes begin. You can do this by going to bed earlier so that you can wake up earlier in the morning. This will help you adjust better to your class schedule and make you feel less exhausted trying to stay awake and pay attention during your first week of classes.
4. Set goals for the upcoming semester.
Write down a list of goals you hope to achieve for the semester. Then, make a plan on how to achieve them. This can be anything: getting better grades by studying more, creating a workout plan to stay fit, or becoming more active on campus by signing up and participating in new clubs and activities. By setting goals and planning out how to achieve them you will feel more motivated to follow through and accomplish what you want.
5. Practice self-care.
Remember to make time for yourself to do the things that you love and are passionate about. Don’t forget to relax either; There are only a few days left in the summer so you might as well enjoy the remaining days. Do the things that you love and also do things that will calm your nerves and make you worry less. This will be different for each and every individual so do what works for you. Whether that is getting a pedicure, going out for a run, or binge watching Netflix all day, do whatever makes you feel happy and calm. The most important thing though is to just breath, relax, and know that everything will be okay and that you will have a successful semester.
