Hopefully this summer has been a good one, but fall is right around the corner! Here are a few things to help you transition back smoothly.
1. Have a goal.
Find some sort of goal for the year or the semester. It doesn't have to be earning a 4.0 GPA or acing your hardest class but has something. Write it down, paste it across social media or keep it to yourself if you have to, but commit to it. This goal should be measurable, even if it's something as simple as "I want to get on the Dean's List." I’ve had a number of goals throughout the past few years, and the most successful one was when I simply said, “Okay, I’m going to turn in something for every assignment.” Because I’m a fairly good student but have trouble with procrastination and a fear of turning into anything that I haven’t deemed “perfect,” this was really hard but very rewarding for me. Look back at where you’ve struggled in the past and at things that you’d like to improve on. Develop something from there.
2. Get started early.
You've already scheduled classes, right? Get your books! Spend some time online looking for the best deals and order the books early so that you can get some reading out of the way before the crash of everything else happens. If that sounds too nerdy for you, pick one of your classes and watch a couple of YouTube videos on the subject. Or find someone that you know who's already taken the class to pick their brain about the do’s and don’ts of the course and with the teacher. You might even find out that that PE class you’re scheduled for is going to be far too much work. This way, you'll have enough time to switch it to something easier.
3. Be aware of your schedule.
Start thinking about the things that are going to change during the transition from summer to school. Sleeping schedules are especially important to pay attention to. After all, I highly recommend that you avoid going from a 3AM bedtime to rushing for 8AM classes. Trying to change your sleep schedule all of a sudden is not fun.
4. Make a list.
List all the things you’re looking forward to. Getting back to books and studying and finals can be really, really depressing, so focus on the positive things. I’m super excited about some of the classes that I’m taking. I'm even more excited about getting to see some of my best friends!
Consequently, make a list of things that you’re looking forward to during the first break you get, like a trip somewhere, a movie marathon, or that other thing that you're always saying you'll do when you have some "free time." I can always think of things that I want to do when (blank) starts, but when that time actually comes… I get forgetful and bored. The beauty about this tip is that A.) you’re focusing on another positive thing, and B.) you’re still on break, so you could probably do the things on this list right away!
5. Bow out spectacularly.
(Hopefully) your summer was awesome — make sure you say goodbye to it with the respect it deserves. I’ve been told that fireworks are illegal in some places in the U.S. if it’s not the 4th of July but don’t let that stop you from having a great party or get together with your family and hometown friends, especially if you live far away from campus. It might not make saying goodbye to your mom, dad, grandparents and/or dog any easier. But you'll end up appreciating people more if you keep in mind that you'll be leaving them soon, and trust me, you will regret not having spent more time with them.
6. Finally, have fun!
Rejoice that you're still in the midst of summer so that, even if you disregard all these things (not that you will, right? Right?) you won't fail any of your classes or run yourself into the ground. Good luck!
