As we all know winter break is here but unfortunately, it will not last forever. Once winter break ends, we will return to school for the spring semester and pretty much do what we just did in the fall semester. However, when we go back, we might change a few things. After we finish one semester we think of ways to better ourselves and what we can do differently for the upcoming semester and those following that.

How I always looked at second semester is taking some habits that I learned from the first semester and applying those or seeing how I can improve for the upcoming semester. You already have a semester under your belt and it can go a long way to doing better the next semester. Here are a few tips to get prepared for the upcoming semester.

Send an email to your professors introducing yourself

Whether you are in your upper division classes or are in the intro classes, finding a group of friends in the class gives you study partners and friends for outside of class. One of the people I met in my freshman mass communications class is still one of my friends to this day, and I still see him around campus. You are not only finding people to talk to for help in class, but you may find some people you spend the next three or four years with.

Take some days to just study, even if it is for a few hours out of the day

We all have busy schedules during the semester. Aside from classes, we are pretty involved, and we’re trying to have a social life without losing our minds. We can't forget why we are in college. Whether it is between classes or just two or three hours out of your afternoon/night, studying a little bit more throughout the day can benefit you when it comes time for your first exam of the semester.

Take an hour out of your day to exercise

Living a healthy lifestyle can also help you in school. It can be understood that many people might not have as much time to exercise on a consistent basis, but it will help relieve stress. Going for a run for even just an hour can help decrease your stress levels and help you learn after your exercise.

Most Importantly, Have Fun

Sometimes in college, we can get caught up with all the stress and everything that comes with schoolwork. We need time to relax and finding some time to balance work and play can help you be successful as a student. Whether you are just hanging out with friends or watching something on Netflix, it can help when you need time to yourself.

These are tips that I sometimes do to help ease the stress of school. I hope that if you are ever in a place where you want you to improve you take a glance at some of these tips. From someone who has done this for a while, I can assure you that making your own list tips can help in the long run.