Almost a week into my junior year of college, there are a few things that I’ve learned over the years that are necessary to survive the first few weeks of school, no matter your rank. Here’s a few categorized tips and tricks to survive your first few weeks back.

Living with a roommate for the first time?

If you have roommates, plan a cleaning schedule of the common areas.

Take the roommate contract your RA gives you seriously, just in case.

If the toilet shares space with the shower, ask your roommates if they have to use the restroom before you take a shower.

Help out your roommates whenever you can.

Dance parties are a MUST.

A few days prior to starting…

Try and establish your routine as early as possible.

Check your schedule online before classes start, the classroom location may change.

Pick out your clothes and pack your backpack the night before… you want to sleep later in the morning right?

Buy a planner, it’ll come useful for double booking purposes.

Stock up on all the food, drinks, and coffee you need now so you can have it when you need it most!

The First Day!

To wake up on time, set your alarm fifteen minutes early so you are able to snooze efficiently.

Dress nice(ish) the first few days. Basically, don’t wear sweatpants (but leggings are acceptable!).

Try and eat breakfast before class, or else you’ll sleep through class.

Allot twenty minutes to get to class if you’re prone to getting lost.

KEEP YOUR SYLLABI (they usually have due dates on them).

Classroom 101

Don’t sleep through class.

Try and get ahead NOW, you’ll thank me later.

Utilize your textbooks that you may or may not have spent your savings on.

Put your phone away in class.

Make friends with your classmates, it makes group work easier.

Actually hand write your notes (with those vintage pencils).

Color coding is your friend (multipack multicolored ink pens usually go on sale about now).

Print out all the PowerPoints your professor go over in class (you may take your notes on these).

Never be afraid to ask questions.

Studying?

Quizlet or some sort of flash cards, are your BFF.

Study with a buddy.

Study every day, or else you’ll get behind!

Extracurricular Activities

If you’re even questioning whether to join that club, you should join just to be involved.

Go do group fitness classes to avoid the “Freshman Fifteen”

Welcome Week is beneficial: meet new people and get cool stuff!

Basic Survival Kit

Pack snacks if you have long stretches of class or a break that is thirty minutes or less.

Eat whenever possible, you don’t want to lose your chance.

Above statement also applies to sleep.

Nap time is the best time.

Those are some of the basic tips and tricks to help you survive the emotionally, physically, and mentally draining first few weeks back at school! I wish you the best of luck with your new school year and I know you can do it!