Winter break is over and everyone is tired from the holidays. It’s a new year and every college student knows what that means: time to start a new semester. After a month off from school (or 3 weeks as the break was cut short this 2016-2017 school year), we are all rested and ready to go back for a new semester. Books are bought, classes have been registered. As we all prepare to head back off to our campuses, here are a few tips to hit the ground running.

1. Plan ahead!

I am a planner. Always have been, always will be. I have lists for my lists. Sticky notes clutter my room with reminders for myself. The best way to start the semester off right is to get ahead! Once you get your syllabi from all your classes, take a few minutes to put everything in your calendar, whether it’s a paper calendar or your phone calendar. That way you will stay on top of assignments and not fall behind.

2. Get some sleep.

Over break, our sleeping schedules go out the window. We are up till late at night and then we slept in until 11 or even noon. Now that school is back in session, we all struggle getting up for those 8 AM classes. Sometimes, even the 9:30 classes are a struggle.

3. Eat.

Yes, we will miss mom’s cooking and we have to suffer through the dining hall food, but in order to give our brains fuel, we have to eat! No more leftovers and sugary sweets from the holidays. It’s time to eat better so our brains are ready to function.

4. Dress warm!

Now that we are in spring semester, we have to face the cold weather and potential snow. All those new clothes you got for Christmas are going to come in handy in the next few months.

5. Call home!

You are back at school, you’re getting involved in all your classes and catching up with friends you haven’t seen in a few breaks. But don’t forget to check in at home. After being under the same roof as our parents for a few weeks, we may be ready for a break, but we still need to check in occasionally.

Let’s start the new semester off right! Forget about the grades you made last semester. It’s a new year, a new you, so let’s start the semester off with a bang!