January is a rough month: cold weather, the holidays are over, and the days are still short. And if you’re a college student, you get a whole new class schedule. This can be very stressful — just because you did well one quarter doesn’t guarantee success the next. With new professors and new syllabi, it is essential to start your quarter/semester out right — lest you procrastinate and end up even more frazzled later.

Start your quarter the right way with these tried and tested tips.

1. Actually read the syllabus.

This document is an outline of the entire class, and if you don’t read it, you could miss out on important info: due dates, special projects, assignment expectations, etc. Though some instructors have the courtesy to discuss this document in-depth, others expect that you read — and understand — it all on your own. Thus, you’ll want to review these independently to make sure you understand your class fully and accurately. This tip will save you from inconvenient surprises later.

2. Dedicate specific study times.

And adhere to them! I suggest setting aside a few hours each day for the purpose of studying. Some of you might make note of them in a planner; others might mark them in a bullet journal. I like to use Google Calendar. Whatever your strategy, just make sure you're carving out healthy chunks of time for your academics — your GPA will thank you later!

3. Clean out your backpack.

That moldy peanut-butter and jelly sandwich needs to go.

In all seriousness, old textbooks and graded homework often end up in what I call “The Pit” (the bottom of a backpack). Lighten the load on your back by removing un-needed materials. This will make it easy for you to pull out stuff that you’re actually using in class.

4. Make time for the gym.

I know that it can be difficult to prioritize fitness toward the end of a term with finals and projects and chaos. The start of a new term, however, wipes the slate clean for us get back into shape. You might also make getting fit a belated New Year’s resolution!

5. Get to know the people in your classes.

This can be a little tricky for shy people — but it will help you in the long run. When the professor announces a group project or allows you to work on tests together, you will have a good squad already prepared. Plus, it makes going to class a more social (and, therefore, fun) experience.

6. Visit your professors.

If you get to know your profs early on, you can get a sense of what they expect of you. You might even form a good professional relationship (which comes in handy for letters of recommendation).

7. Check your graduation requirements.

Each term you inch closer and closer to the big day: graduation. But you’ll only get there if you take classes that you keep on track. Now is the best time to look over your transcript and make sure that your plans are, well, going as planned! You might also check in with an advisor, who would be more than happy to help you here.

Best of luck!