Your pool days and Netflix binging will soon come to an end as the summer days fade away. Your life is about to be filled with professors, essays and quizzes. But before you start dreading the all-nighters you’re going to be pulling at the library and long to-do lists, take a deep breath and start getting ready for the classroom with activities that won’t put you in a panic and totally help you in the long run.
1. Keyword: Organize.
As light as the word may sound, organizing is a whole category of work to itself. Literally sit down and place out everything that may stress you out before move-in day. Whether it is the layout of your dorm room or figuring out where your classes are, plan it. Get your school supplies organized by class and map your route to classes beforehand.
The number one organizing product: a planner. Think of it as a fun thing. This is not only for homework, but also for social events, getaways and even your dog's birthday.
Set aside an hour or two to write down due dates from your syllabi in your planner and write out your schedule so you can visualize it. You may know the campus like the back of your hand, but when you planned out classes, you may not have realized you have ten minutes to get from one end of campus to the other. Knowing little details about your schedule will leave you with fewer surprises on your first day back.
2. Invest time into a meditation program.
Namast'ay in bed doesn't count as mediation.
Unlock your inner chi and find a meditation program that fits your schedule. The queen of everything, Oprah, teamed up with Deepak Chopra to make the 21-Day Meditation Program to help get you out of the everyday repetition of life and help you see the world for all of the good it has to offer. If you’re not up for the commitment, browse the App Store for a meditation program that fits your needs. Honestly, if this isn't for you, just go back to number one and block out some necessary "me time" in that new planner of yours.
3. Make a bucket list for the school year.
You don't have to completely list everything now, just as things pop in your head. Maybe you finally want to get your dream internship, join a club, or go to the gym every morning before class. Whatever your goals, checking items off your bucket list will keep you motivated throughout the school year. Make sure your bucket list is all about you and not about the classroom, this adds a sense of "you" into the whirlwind of schoolwork causing less stress and a focus on life. You’ll feel less like a college zombie and more like a college boss. If you're scared of not going along with your list, tell your BFFs to make sure you follow through!
4. Treat yo self.
Do something nice for yourself! Break your diet for one day and eat Chick-fil-A or buy yourself those pair of shoes you've been dying to have. If you are looking for more of a mental treatment, check out your Student Health Center. Most of the time, the offer massages, spa treatments and therapy for barely anything considering you're a student. It doesn’t have to be expensive and it doesn’t have to be big, but it can never hurt to do something strictly for yourself.
5. Do your homework early.
Procrastination is your worst enemy. Trust me, I know how hard it is to fall into that trap, but knowing that you are on time is such a relief and knowing you are ahead (OMG) literally is the best feeling ever. We don’t mean start doing your pre-cal problems before you step foot in the classroom, but get yourself prepared! Before classes, see if your professors have any materials online about what you need to succeed in their classroom (aka the syllabus aka your new best friend).
Back-to-school season is not a punishment. It is a time for a fresh start and new beginnings. It is like a "free do over." Start participating in stress-free activities before your first lecture of the year and those good habits will carry on into the school year.
Xoxo,
Good luck and happy studying!
