Going back to school can be one of two things; Great or stressful. For most people, including me, it means that there becomes a desire to want to be successful, and the want to do nothing at all. We can't always have the easy way out though, so here are some thoughts as we start back into the school year..
1. Find A System
This could include multiple things being such as writing your ideas and topics for an essay on Post-it notes until you have came up with on thesis. Organizing papers in stacks or binders that will help you keep track of everything. Always keeping marked up notes so that when doing a rough draft, you can make sure you have hit every point needed. This could also include finding a study spot that works best for you.
2. Schedule time for studying
When looking at everything you have to do on a piece paper gets overwhelming, remember that it does not have study time included. You, yourself actually have to plan that time on your own. Keeping a calendar book or agenda may be one of the best ways to allot time needed to do a project. Creating a daily to-do list could also help you keep on schedule, and keep you more towards the organized end of the spectrum versus the clustered side.
3. Set goals for yourself
Break down a project or assignment into multiple sections, and set yourself a goal to finish each section by a certain time or date. It will help keep you on task, but also allow you to break up your time evenly among assignments. Reward yourself when you meet these goals. This reward could be anything from an hour long break to going to get some junk food. Also, set goals outside of school. Set a goal to attend a certain amount of campus events, or to talk to different campus groups to get involved with.
4. Schedule 'You' Time
As important as it is to focus on school work and having friends, having some alone time is much needed. There will be days when you will just be physically and emotionally tired, and you will want to just lay in bed in your pajamas and watch Netflix, and that is totally okay. You will need this, otherwise you will overdue it, and your body will not be healthy.
5. Stay Motivated
When midterms approach, you will suddenly feel as if everything you have learned all semester has left your brain and that you are going to fail every exam you take. This same feeling will occur with every test, and then come again at finals. Through all of this, you cannot give up on yourself. You have to stay strong and motivated. After a little bit of studying, you will be alright, and will knock all the test out of the ballpark.
