The beginning of Spring semester always makes me feel some type of way. It is an opportunity to start fresh as we are approaching the summer and warmer weather. Every college semester, very reliably, I start off with enthusiasm and color coded notebooks, but as the semester goes by my energy fades and Netflix replaces class readings.
Over high school and three completed semesters of college, I have learned a bit more about myself and about college and how to really make the most of each semester. I haven't actually put all of that into practice yet, but here's hoping that this Spring semester I try some of these options.
1. Schedule Schedule Schedule.
I cannot stress this enough. For big events and classes and travel plans, I prefer to use google calendar because you can color code it and have it both on your phone and laptop. Plus, you can set up alerts! It has saved me so many times from missing meetings and other events. As for day-to-day to-do lists and school assignments, I use a paper planner. I truly would not be a functioning college student without keeping close track of my responsibilities and due dates.
2. Print out or electronically save the syllabus from each class.
This will save you from having to open up blackboard overtime you want to reference the syllabus. I prefer to print so I can cross out assignments as I do them, but you can also save all your class syllabus in a folder on your desktop for easy access. Never miss an assignment or due date again!
3. Lean on your friends and family.
I can't even count the number of times I have sat in my dorm room thinking about how overwhelmed and alone I feel. Overwhelmed was (usually) valid, but there was no reason for me to feel alone. I've always prided myself on being strong and considered opening up to people or revealing that I was struggling to be a weakness. Sometimes, though, you can't do it alone. Give your friends or family a call if you need support and be pleasantly surprised by what they may offer to you.
4. Create a 4 year plan.
Why can't spring cleaning include your college plans? I did this freshman year and it has helped guide me through college. Essentially, this means that you figure out what classes you need/want to take to graduate and write them all down. Decide which classes you will take each semester for the rest of college and though this activity can be stressful, it makes the next four years so much easier when selecting courses.
5. Mind your mental health.
This is so important, and I am glad that mental health has been receiving more attention in the media. This could mean taking a bath, getting some endorphins by going on a run, spending time with friends, spending time alone, or even seeing a mental health professional. At my college, the first few appointments at Mental Health Services are free and talking to someone outside of your circle and receiving that perspective can be so beneficial. There is no shame in taking care of your brain like you would take care of a cold.
6. (Kind-of) Do your readings.
Sorry about this one professors. If you've ever had a class that assigns copious amounts of readings each week, you have either had these readings be instrumental to your learning or thought, "Why am I wasting my time?" The truth is, you do not always have to devote hours to readings. In fact you usually don't. For the first couple weeks of classes, use your new-semester-energy to do all of the readings as you feel out the class. After that, read the readings if you must, or opt for skimming them or skipping certain ones altogether. Work smart, not hard.
7. Get out of the library (or your dorm room.)
Wherever you normally choose to study, leave that place. Getting out of your comfort zone and exploring your city or even just your campus allows you to clear your head and leave behind any negative energy from the people around you.
8. Minimize distraction.
There are a million ways to do this, like putting your phone on airplane mode in class, putting your notes in full-screen during class, or writing notes by hand. If online shopping in class is a problem for you like it is for me, definitely try to do something about it.
9. Utilize resources.
As a Resident Advisor, I have gone through WEEKS of training that spelled out all of the resources my university has to offer, and there are so many! Go to office hours, get free tutoring, get help on your paper from the writing center, study with a group in study rooms, talk to your professors. There are endless opportunities, so take advantage because college is expensive. Get your money's worth!
10. Give yourself a break.
This means not only tangible breaks, but mental and emotional breaks. Not acing this test does not mean you will never be a lawyer. Getting broken up with does not mean you are unlovable. Skipping a class or two because you need a day off does not mean you are lazy. Do not put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
Though I have only continuously done a few of the things on this list before, (I am probably a little too good at taking breaks) I plan to take advantage of more opportunities this spring and hope that this upcoming semester brings me better grades and a happier existence (because it is possible to have both.)
