With summer almost coming to an end, it is time to start mentally preparing yourself for another year of school. Here are ten different things you can do to prepare.
Start Talking To Peers
College is the best time to develop strong communication skills. Making strong connections while in college is integral. Use your time at college to get to know people and ask questions. Stay in touch with friends and professors, even if it's just a quick email update every couple of months. You never know who has the connections that are relevant to your interests.
Look Ahead
Check the syllabus of each of your classes to get what a sense for what you will be covering will prepare you for success. Check degree audit to see what types of classes you will need to take in order to get closer to your degree. Memorize important things you'll need to know such as your class schedule, finances, and more. Consider even emailing a handful of your instructors to further inquire about your courses.
Buy School Supplies
GiphyStock up on the supplies by making a list of materials that you will need. These include but are not limited to, notebooks, binders, pencils, textbooks, backpacks, etc. Purchasing some new school supplies can help ease the transition and get you excited for the school year instead of dreading it.
Schedule Your Time
Everyday counts in college and you are probably going to be busy during the school year. Schedule all of your appointments such as going to the dentist, doctor, work meetings, and other things early. Everything from meal times to chores, classes, studying, and leisure should have its own time-slot.
Manage Your Distractions
It's important to be diligent about how to manage time and resources because they have a way of creeping up on us. Keep your phone on silent or turn it off when you are in school. If your phone rings while you are in class it will be distracting to your learning.
Set Your Goals
Write down your goals, priorities, and set intentions on a piece of paper. Build habits that will help you achieve these goals. Visualize yourself reaching these goals or remind yourself of this goals as a way to stay motivated.
Sleep Schedule
It's important to be well rested for your first day back. Set a timer and figure about what works best for you because it will most likely have to change due to classes. Lack of sleep can impact academic performance in a negative way. Lack of sleep is also associated with both physical and emotional health risks so its important to prioritize getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night.
Finding Resources
College students hesitate or delay asking for help for many different reasons.Take advantage of the resources offered by your school. Continue to look for ways to get help because there is a lot of support available on campus. Resources such as career centers, counselors, library resources, tutors, and writing centers are available for all students to use.
Get Motivated
As a college student, there is only a limited amount of time at your school to gain whatever you want from it. You are the only one that has the power to make the most out of your education. If you can motivate yourself to excel in college, you will have a better chance at a career in your future.
Prepare Financially
Keep track of your loans (if you have any) to make sure you are not digging yourself in too deep of a hole. Calculate the money you are projected to spend this year and make sure you are in a decent place money wise to do another year of college. Some expenses to consider are tuition, room and board, utilities, supplies, and more.
