As a new semester is now upon us, it’s a nice chance for a fresh start. New classes, new professors, new year, so it’s a good time to start fresh and maybe make some changes in your life to get the semester started on the right track.
1. Start as organized as possible.
It’s easy to let yourself get lazy as the semester goes along and before you know it your backpack looks like a tornado went through it and you can find those important notes the day before the exam. If you’re on the unorganized side like me, it's best to throw out your entire system that you’ve used before and try something new. Switch out those folders for binders, loose leaf paper for notebooks, or anything you can think of to make your life a little easier. Trust me, your future self will thank you for starting early.
2. Start an exercise program and start a food journal.
Feeling the effects of the freshman 15? It might be wise to start getting the heart pumping on a routine basis. Of course, all that exercise will mean very little if you’re scarfing down all you can eat cheeseburgers at the dining hall or kicking back pints on a nightly basis at the bar, so starting a food journal or downloading a fitness app on your phone can help keep track of everything day to day. Hitting the gym has plenty of other benefits than just controlling your waistline. It can also be a real mood booster and can help improve your memory. That’ll give you the boost you need to make it to your 8 a.m. class, and remember that you actually have an 8 a.m. class. If you’re having trouble getting started, drag a friend with you or sign up for classes. Once you make it a habit, it’s hard to stop.
3. Do a little redecorating.
Looking to spruce up the old dorm room? What a better way to start a new semester than switching a few things up at home. Of course you will have to work with your roommate on this one if you have one, but rearranging some furniture, hanging up some new artwork, or maybe just a fresh coat of paint (where allowed) can make a world of difference and not break the bank.
4. Focus on scheduling.
Now I could have just put this in with getting yourself organized but I feel it’s too important on its own. We are all busy, with classes, jobs, clubs, and other commitments it can be hard to keep everything straight. I personally wouldn’t be able to live without my iPhone telling me where I need to be at a given time. Keeping a schedule of classes, job shifts, appointments, important test or project dates, as well as personal events will help keep you at ease as the semester gets more hectic. Just remember to schedule some personal time for yourself every once in a while.
5. Try something completely new.
A new semester is a great opportunity to try something completely new. Go to that club that you always wanted to join, try out for that sport, or try to learn that new instrument. The world is your oyster.
Here’s to a great semester and I wish you all the best of luck!
