With the spring semester slowly creeping in, sometimes people need a little extra help. I have dedicated this article to putting together some tips to help people better prepare for the new semester.

1. You survived fall semester, YOU GOT THIS!!

You survived the fall semester, whether it was your first and your last fall semester, you did it. You survived and are one step closer to graduation. One less fall semester is in the books and graduation is closer than you know. Keep pushing through.

2. Calendar and Organize

Invest in a calendar. Whether it is a small one that fits in your book-bag or a digital one, always have one nearby. I personally use my calendar on my computer because it is linked to my other electronics and keeps my life together. The purpose for the calendar is so you can't forget when your first test or paper is due. Calendar are extremely helpful and can keep your life together.

3. Notebooks and Folders

Figure out what class you’re going to use that red notebook for before the class begins. This prepares you for the class even before it begins. So go through your old notebooks or buy some new ones and get organized for the new semester. Once you have all your folders and notebooks ready, you are ready for the semester to start.

4. Pencils and Pens

Make sure your book bag is packed with pencils and pens. There is nothing worse than walking in on the first day and realizing that you don’t have something to write with. No one wants to start the semester off like that. If you need to, buy a pencil pouch. I personally have one that has at least 10 pencils and a couple pens. Nothing worse than walking in on test day and realizing you don’t have a pencil or a neighbor needs one. College is hard and sometimes it is nice to help out others even if it’s just a pencil. On test day, pencils or pens, are gold.

5. Clothes

Have an idea on what you’re wearing the first day of class or the first couple. There’s nothing worse than waking up and stressing over what you’re wearing to class for the day. Lay everything out the night before and the morning should be easy. The first day of classes is hectic and this way you already are prepared and ready to conquer the day.

6. Organization

The last thing is ORGANIZATION. As long as you are organized, you will most likely be prepared. Have everything ready and laid out and your semester should be great. On weekends fix things that got unorganized during the week. Take time to organize. It might feel a little silly spending a Saturday filling in your calendar or color coding your folders/binders, but it will help the semester go by easy.

I hope this article helps you out. I know these are only six tips, but anything can help. Spring is one of the longest semesters, with winter nights and no breaks for a while, so these are easy ways to help the semester go by easier.

Have a great spring semester!