So, you made it through your fall semester. Congratulations! Whether you passed with flying colors or came crawling across the finish line, you did it!

A new semester means a new chance to establish habits that will help you achieve the grades you want.

These habits may not be synonymous with an A, but they are synonymous with hard work.

1. Get real sleep.

You will feel better physically if you get more than a two-hour nap before class in the morning. I know deadlines are important. This is why weekends are so useful! It's two days where you don't have to worry about going to class and doing homework. Use your weekends to get ahead in your work so that you can sleep more during the week.

2. Keep track of your assignments.

I use both a monthly/weekly planner and a list of assignments in order to keep track of them. The first thing I do is put all major assignments in the monthly part of my planner. In the weekly section I also put day to day homework assignments. I also compile all the major assignments for the semester and put them in order that they are due. Each class receives a different color font and I hang this spreadsheet above my desk.

3. Find a space to do assignments.

I cannot do my work in my room. My bed taunts me with the promise of a one hour nap that normally turns into a three hour nap. I have multiple spots on campus where I can go and do my homework without major distraction.

4. Don’t be afraid to use free resources.

Some schools have tutors who work as a tutor for their work study job. Don’t be afraid to use these free tutors. If you were to hire a tutor, it would cost you anywhere from twenty-five to seventy-five dollars and hour depending on the tutor’s qualifications. You can also use online resources pertaining to your classes.

5. Don’t be afraid to make friends.

Some people are weary on making friends because they feel having friends will distract them from making good grades. This is not always true. It is really important to at least have a friend or be friendly with someone in each of your classes. This way if you ever have to miss class, you have someone you can rely on to let you take copies of your notes.

6. Try something new.

Trying something new can be a way for you to meet people you normally wouldn’t talk to on campus. You could also just try a new hobby, and find something that is fun to do in your free time.