Spring Semester is quickly approaching and as a college student it is time to prepare for another stressful five months of college, but before you jump into syllabus week and all of its glory there are a few things you can do to brace yourself.

1. Re-evaluate what went wrong in the previous semester. What can you do better? Think of study techniques that worked and did not work for you. If you know that you are taking a class in a subject that is challenging for you, talk to your professor at the beginning of the course, so they will know your name and face and when you need help, they will know who you are.

2. Get organized. Find out what textbooks you need for the semester. Set up a spreadsheet listing the course, name of the book, ISBN, and look up the textbooks in three different places. Personally, I look up my textbooks on Amazon, my college bookstore, and ABE Books. Buy a monthly planner, write down your course schedule. It is also a good idea to do the same on your Google Calendar. Google Calendar is a lifesaver for me as a college student when scheduling classes, meetings, and appointments. Don't forget to schedule both study time for your classes, write down due dates once you are given your syllabus. Color coding for each of your courses makes it easier to understand your planner and see what deadlines are quickly approaching.

3. Take Time to Have Fun. Being a college student you are swamped with your course load, campus jobs, clubs, and activities and that doesn't include spending time with your significant others and friends. Before going back to school, take a day for yourself. Go to the spa, amusement park, skating, the movies, etc. You may not get a chance to have this type of fun for another five months if you are like me.

One quick note: Don't stress about the semester. Though it is quickly approaching, there is not anything to stress about. Just try your best and do what you know is right for you to succeed. Take matters into your own hands to study, ask for help when you need help, and don't procrastinate. Procrastination leads to an increased amount of anxiety.