Okay, so we have all made it through the first two weeks of the fall semester. If any of you are like me, then these past fourteen days have already flown by and were filled with countless events of both Greek life, campus organizations, and not to mention classes. The "honeymoon" period of school has passed, where we are carelessly walking across library lawn looking like Julie Andrews singing "the hills are alive". No, it is finally time to get down to business. We survived syllabus week. We survived finding our classrooms. We survived meeting our new professors and TA's. But how do we survive the rest of the semester? I have comprised a few tips on how to not only survive, but thrive this semester and the rest of your time at OSU.
Tip #1: Become BFFs With Your Planner
If you do not have a planner, agenda, calendar, etc., GO BUY ONE ASAP. Planners are a necessary tool for staying organized. When you are involved in Greek life, OSU campus organizations, classes, and other activities, you will have too many events or dates to just try to remember in your head. Writing your schedule of the week out every Sunday in your planner is a great way to get a jump start on your weekly organization. You can even go ahead and write down when your exams are so you are sure to not forget. Planners can seriously become your new BFF and a life saver.
Tip #2: Schedule Time for Sleep
Even if you are someone who can live off fifteen cups of medium roast coffee a day, your body will crash at some point unless you maintain a somewhat regular sleep schedule. A college student needs approximately fifty eight hours of sleep per night to be considered a healthy sleeper, according to Stanford University studies. Taking care of your body is a very important thing to remember to do, even when college is stressful. Lack of sleep can lead to a run down immune system, which can lead to getting sick, which of course means not attending class and falling behind. Try to get a few hours of sleep in between all of the studying and activities.
Tip #3: Have Fun
These four years (give or take) will fly by before you know it. If you just stay locked away in your tower, aka room, for four years studying at every possible hour, you will regret it. Instead find your niche. Try getting involved in your chapter. Apply for a leadership role. Join an OSU organization, even if it has nothing to do with your major. Apply to be on a steering committee like Homecoming or a Greek show. Serve the community. Try to make someone else's day every chance you get. Be brave. Take pictures because these college memories will be beautiful. Enjoy the OSU experience and make these amazing four years YOURS.
