It is the start of 2017 and for most that means new resolutions to start a new year with great aspirations but for college students it means winter break is almost over and it is time yet again to start a new semester. A new semester means new classes, new expensive books, and new unofficial official assigned seat in your huge lecture classes. As college students we all strive to do our best and it is hard to start a new semester because you have to get into a completely new routine. Here are five tips to start the semester right and to get adjusted as easily as possible.
1. Know Your schedule
This seems so little but it is so important. Know your schedule in and out. It is so important to know where you need to be and the time it takes to get in between classes so you can judge traffic and other influences. Know your schedule so you know the time in between classes to take a break. In between class breaks are such a life saver because it is your time to relax, eat, study, or meet up with a friend. After you learn your schedule, do this every week, at the same times, so you get into a routine and you can use your time wisely.
2. Write Down Everything
Get a planner or journal or notebook. At the beginning, when you receive your syllabuses, go through and write down all important dates, exams, big papers, and tests. Then learn how you submit all homework and other smaller tasks and write those due dates in by week because they are more likely to change or be adjusted. Use this writing space to also make a to-do list not just with school but social and everyday life. List when you need to do laundry, coffee dates with friends, and other big social events with your clubs and outside involvement.
3. You Space
Find a place you love. Find a place that is comfy and allows you to destress and just think. Have a place where you can do homework and study away from the library but also a place where you can just read or write or meet with a friend to socialize. This can be a coffee shop or bookstore or little cafe that is comfy and has big tables and awesome chairs.
4. Vision Board
Have a place where you can keep all your pictures and thoughts and ideas in front of you. You need to keep positive during such a stressful time. You need to have something to look forward to and also something that makes you happy. Print off your favorite pictures, find inspirational quotes and sayings, and dress it up with some of your favorite pants or decorations. This is good to do above a desk or wall in your room that you encounter a lot.
5. Your Own Self
Take care of yourself. Eat somewhat healthy, go to the gym or get outside and get fresh air as much as possible, and get out and be social as much as you can. School is important but sometimes going to that game on a Saturday is what you need instead of locking yourself up all day by yourself studying. You need to take time, a lot of time for your academics, but you also need to take time for yourself. Being healthy and happy will result in more accomplishments than stressed and being run down.
Starting a new semester is so exciting and such a great time to know your goals and getting on track to accomplish them. A new semester means new encounters and new adventures that will only lead you to where you are supposed to be in life. So here is to you and here is to another successful yet stressful semester of college.
