As summer draws to an end, we trade our sunscreen for school supplies. With the start of a new semester, it’s back to the grind with classes, assignments and the accretion of responsibilities.

However, it’s easy to get swept up in a false sense of freedom as the first weekend rolls around. There are no immediate deadlines and no exams to cram for. You’ve gotten a taste of your courses but when the weekend comes around you don’t feel accountable for anything. Similarly, there is a foreboding sense that everything will pick up the pace soon enough and you are justified to savor these fleeting moments of freedom.

Unfortunately, the key to staying afloat in college is fueled by the fundamental principle: do everything you’re supposed to do tomorrow, yesterday.

In psychology there is a phenomenon known as the acute stress response, which is better known as the flight-or-fight response. When dealing with a situation that is stressful or frightening our body responds by reacting in two ways: staying and facing the situation or running away from the situation.

As much as we want to indulge in our flight response when thinking about getting a head start on our work, it is ultimately beneficial for us to stay and face our situation.

It’s essential not to be overwhelmed by the prospect of challenging coursework and obligations, but to be prepared for what lies ahead and take control of your situation. Use this time to regroup, reorganize and rejuvenate yourself.

Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your first weekend:

1. Save the date

Put in all of your important dates into a calendar. These can be test dates, quiz dates, assignment due dates, as well as special events and even concerts. You should have a clear idea of everything that is going on in your life. What is extremely important is that you should not just have a monthly calendar but a semester calendar. You should have the option to be able to see everything on one page which can give you an even clearer idea of your commitments and how to plan your time for the next few months.

2. Shopping

In high school, back to school shopping consisted of buying books and stationary. In college, you have to factor in the fact that you are living independently. Make a list and determine what you need as soon as possible. Ordering online and in advance will save you time later. This goes for textbooks as well.

3. Unpacking

Unpack the boxes and suitcases sitting under your bed. You’ll thank yourself later when you don’t have to rummage through several bags to find scissors when you’re running late for class.

4. Getting a head start

It’s unrealistic to believe that just because you’ve been handed your syllabus for the entire semester, you can tackle everything on the list immediately. However, it is good to get a handle on your work for the coming weeks. Set realistic goals for yourself and hold yourself accountable. This will make you feel in control and good about yourself.

5. Go on an adventure

College is challenging, but exciting. There are many opportunities to avail aside from academic life. However, as course work piles on, the time for our extracurricular activities and adventures tends to shrink. It’s always important to maintain a balance. Schedule time to reconnect with friends and family. Use this weekend to do something spontaneous and go on an adventure you know you won’t have time for later on. You deserve it.

Don't get pulled in a hundred different directions. Focus on what you want to do and work to achieve your goals. Just setting yourself in the right frame of mind can make all the difference and make for a wonderful semester.