Syllabus week feels like an alternate reality. It’s the first week of classes; everything is new an exciting and, overall, pretty chill. If you’re taking upper-level classes like me, your professors might have jumped into lessons fairly quickly--but even then, you’re not staying up all night to finish assignments.

You also feel motivated--a feeling that, for most, doesn’t stick around very long. For a lot of college students, syllabus week is their high point. Everything after that is a downward spiral, blurring from one sleepless night to the next until the sweet embrace of death or finals week takes us--whichever comes first.

I’ve been there. Way too many times. But, going into my last semester of college, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to keep that motivation up in the weeks to come. Here are 14 ways you can stay motivated from week two to finals!

1. Buy a planner.

It seems so basic, but buying a planner is super important if you want to stay organized. Or, if you want to get creative, you can design your own planner with a bullet journal--but beware, bullet journal planners can be a lot to maintain!

2. Use that planner--religiously.

I’m high-key obsessed with planners. I have two--one for weekly tasks/homework assignments, and one for hourly tasks like meetings and appointments every day. I check them both religiously. I’ve developed a system for myself to keep track of assignments and whether I’m on track or not. It helps so much.

3. Read through your syllabus frequently.

The last thing you want is to be blindsided by an assignment. Check up on your weekly assignments frequently!

4. ...Or write your assignments in your planner a few weeks in advance.

This is what I do--because, again, my planner is like my Bible. I usually write down all of my assignments, due dates, readings, etc. up until the halfway point for each class--color-coded, of course--to make sure I don’t forget to do anything.

5. Go to class.

Skipping class has a snowball effect. “I’ve skipped class once a week for the past month but it’s fine, I can skip today too, right?” Wrong. When you break the habit of going to class, going back just gets harder--sort of like going to the gym. The less you go, the less motivated you are to try.

6. Go to class, even when you’d rather do anything *but* go to class.

Seriously, you’ll regret it later if you don’t.

7. Make friends with someone in your class.

Not only can you hold each other accountable, but you’ll actually look forward to going to class if you know they’re there. Plus, having a study buddy is always nice!

8. Don’t put all your work off until the last minute.

I am the Queen of Procrastination Nation, but you really don’t want to live here. Nothing stresses me out more than having to write a ten-page paper the night before it’s due--plan ahead and save yourself the tears!

9. Set aside time for fun things.

All work and no play never worked for anyone. Factor in time in your schedule to relax. Which brings me to my next point…

10. Give yourself a break.

Learning should be fun when done right. You should never be spending every waking moment studying. Give yourself a break every so often to decompress!

11. Go to bed early.

Nothing kills my motivation more than being exhausted. Staying up all night to finish an assignment, then waking up to go to class in the morning? No thanks, I’d rather skip (see number 6).

12. Reward yourself.

Finished that big paper a week before it was due? Treat yourself to a binge-marathon of your favorite show, your favorite coffee, or a night out with friends!

13. Make your notes fun.

Different colored pens, highlighters, and fun borders and boxes make studying more interesting!

14. Create a countdown.

Nothing is more motivating than knowing it’s almost over.