You've just begun your Spring Semester. You are excited for the new challenge as you meet your new professors and skim through the course specifications. Your brain is fresh, your motivation is intact and the "bring-it-on" mood is on. Hopefully, this will continue for the rest of the semester but chances are slim as you know the workload will kick in soon. That's why you've got to figure out how to deal with this inescapable life-battle. With these strategic plans, however, you are one step ahead to getting those shining and flying A stars...

1. Start early.

Here comes the ancient line _ "Never procrastinate" BUT the point here is different. We all can relate to the fact that it feels more efficient to do things in the last minute. As all students know this is true, here is the tip-- at least do something before the last minute. Even if you plan to complete the assignment the night before the deadline, get it somehow started prior to that. At least, jot down some notes along the way and especially for analysis papers, getting the ideas and thoughts straight on the paper while they are still fresh is extremely useful. Your decision of when to wrap up the assignment is up to you. The point is to get it started.

2. Change your attitude

Take a new approach to looking at things. There are times in life when you are faced to do what you don't like. Especially for liberal Arts College students where we have to take a variety of classes, we are liable to encounter our dreaded, "enemy" subjects. But the good news is, great things happen after you've changed your mindset. Find the advantages that you could make use of with those subjects. It's also the number one step to becoming a straight-A student. If you love the subjects, they will love you too! Treat them like they are your passionate friend. At least pretend:P

3. Decode techniques

Before you plan to attack this "college-battle," it is worthwhile realizing the strategies to use for the specific classes you are taking, accordingly. For example, for a first-year seminar class where essays comprise a major component of marks, emphasize on producing and polishing your best college essays. Likewise, for a Shakespeare English Play class, use helpful materials like Sparknotes for modern text translation. It's all about figuring out which method works best for you. Don't hesitate to try new things as well.

4. Feel Smart.

If you want to find a person who will change your life, look at yourself. You deserve to appreciate and acknowledge how awesome you are. Wear clothes that make you feel fresh, energetic and alive. Spray that Gucci perfume if it makes you feel smart. (Well I don't mean to make you broke, though) I mean, let yourself shine. Feel special. Embrace yourself. Only if you feel like you have a control of your life, it will take a new, positive course.

5. Speak up

There is nothing a professor loves more than a student who frequently contributes to the classroom discussions. Even if you are normally an introvert like me, pull your gut out to ask and answer questions. This allows the professor to notice you as an attentive, diligent student. Wear that smart "coat." Feel confident.

6. Professionalize

It is normal for a college student to feel attached to the disorganized closet or the "mountainous" bed. But once you start to clear things up, you will feel professional in a subconscious level. This will make you feel like completing assignments with a perfect touch as well.

7. Connect to Professors

It's never wrong to meet them in their office hours for a question, a book review or anything! Even if you don't have a question, know that they are willing to talk to you. This is especially true for small colleges as for me, in my first semester, I directly asked a professor how I could improve my analysis writing skills. To my surprise, he gave me feedback patiently!

8. Follow your heart's destiny

Sometimes I feel like the library is my habitat and sometimes I feel the need to switch to the science building to do my homework. Basically, choose places that randomly pop out of my head; places that would making you feel like studying with full energy. If it happens to you too, remember that it's your instinct telling you where to go. Let your gut decide where you would learn things best.

9. Switch off junks.

During my last semester, I couldn't focus on my work until I completely cut off the social media. If needed, stop checking any notifications, including emails as well. Assign the "checking-time" to the end of the day. Make sure that no junk information pervades your mind when you are on your task.

10. Prioritize.

Do the hardest assignment first. After that, you will tackle everything like a pro.

11. Keep a handbook.

Nothing feels more accomplishing than drawing that tick on a checklist of your daily schedule. On your personal handbook, you are free to keep note of anything important there-- whether it'd be a deadline, idea or even a philosophy...

12. Work out.

Nerds are playing the game differently now. To study smarter and not harder, it is vital that you are keeping your brain fresh to the maximum. Exercising releases endorphins which make you feel good. Your ability to absorb and retain information will significantly increase within the first few days of exercising. For me heading to the gym in the morning at six and completing an hour-long high-intensity workout am makes me feel productive throughout the day so I stick to this routine. You can find the time to incorporate exercise in your busy college life too, even if it is just for ten minutes.

11. Eat Healthy

I know noodles are the common college student life nutrition. But to study smart, remember that your brain needs healthy food!! In fact, it is possible to treat your body right with the college dining hall food since you make your own green salads and eat fleshy fruits that would refresh your brain.

12. Sleep soundly

It's a fact that it is almost impossible to keep up with your normal sleeping schedule while in college. But you should sleep to the point where you are free from having hallucinations in class or screwing up your answers in exams. You should sleep so you can concentrate. That is particularly how prioritizing comes in play. Choose sleep over activities that matter less.

13. Laugh and Smile.

Just like the above it's good to be kind to yourself. Hang out with your mates to make you smile and laugh. This will make you feel positive about your overall being and including your academic life as well. Chill out for some time. But don't overdo it, though.

14. Give yourself a break

After all the self-discipline you've kept up with, you deserve a reward. To keep the impulse going on, do something that makes you happy such goofing around with a best friend, meeting a sweetheart or staying in bed doing nothing. OR if you do not want to do anything but study, go ahead, and give yourself a pat on the back.