The holidays have come and gone, and the past four to six weeks have just flown by. Now the new year and the new semester are upon us and as much as we’re all dreading back-to-school, these items are must-haves in your tool belt to make this semester, and this year, yours for the taking.
1. A new planner
My favorite thing to do the when the semester starts up is to put all my syllabi and the academic calendar in one place: my handy planner. That way, a test, paper, or a glorious day off never catches me off-guard. Usually, I prefer to buy my planners based on the academic year (for example, my current planner goes from July ’17 to June ’18). But if you’re a 'new year, new me' sort of person, a new planner is the perfect little pick-me-up for yourself.
2. A 32 oz or greater water bottle
Most people think hydration is most important in the summer, but it should be at the top of your priority list year-around. With winter weather drying out your skin, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized from the inside out. Plus, a bigger water bottle will need fewer refills and the reusable bottle alone helps protect the planet by saving plastic.
3. Quality earbuds or headphones
Yes, quality, not the little cheap-os you get free with your phone or buy at a gas station. I personally need background noise while I study. For me, the library is too quiet, but the dining hall is too noisy, cue the perfect solution. Thanks to these, I can play my gentle music in my ear, and still, hear the murmurs of the people around me without picking up on distinct conversations.
4. A portable charger
When you can’t get a good seat with an outlet in the library or the dining hall, but you know you’re going to have to knuckle down and binge some work, these little battery packs are a lifesaver for long study days.
5. A new TV show
Of course, everything in moderation, but a TV show will give you something to do with your downtime and force you to take the half an hour to an hour away from your studying. Don't be ashamed to spend those thirty minutes watching "Jeopardy" (guilty, I love that dang show). Plus, getting caught up in the storyline will give you something to take your mind off that paper you’ve been bugging out over, even for a little bit. But warning: self-control is a must for this one because you can’t use “Stranger Things” to forget about economics.
Best of luck to everyone this semester. May you conquer not only the spring 2018 semester but all of 2018!