Welcome back! Everyone is getting geared up for this new semester, and the excitement of seeing friends is palpable. There are some distinct stages we all go through at the beginning of the semester. Either way, we will kick some academia butt and have the time of our lives doing it.
Moving in
Resetting the sleep schedule
Your winter break had at least a week of Netflix nights where you got sucked into shows or movies. Then, you looked at the clock and it would read 4 a.m., so you’d sleep in until about 1 or 2 p.m. the next day. Well, that all changes with classes just around the corner, so you try and get back on a normal sleep schedule.
Making last-minute class changes
There is that one class where you're still on the wait list, but you are hoping that you’ll get the email any day saying a spot has opened up. Maybe you just decided to drop a class outright and pick a completely different one; we are lucky enough we can do this.
Buying your textbooks
Your bank account weeps at how much money you spend on textbooks and required reading. It looks like food isn’t in your future for the next month or so.
Catching up with your friends who were abroad
They had the time of their lives and have millions of stories to tell you. You tell them all about what happened here on campus, though there isn’t much to tell. You just missed them and are glad to have them back. Even if they wish they were still abroad.
Missing your friends who are now abroad
You realize it feels weird that people are missing in your friend group, frat, sorority, house, or dorm. There’s a void that they have now made since they left, and you’re envious of the spectacular time they’re going to have abroad.
All the hugs and “I missed you”
You see all your friends and have that squealing moment where you run and hug each other. You keep repeating how you missed each other and want to hear about everything that happened over break. They aren’t allowed to spare any details at all.
Preparing for that first day of class
The first day of classes is fast approaching, you are either a little excited or just dreading it completely. You are ready for this semester; you are going to ace those classes.
Having your first day of class
Your first day of classes is exhausting. You forgot how much brainpower it takes. All you want is a lot of food, Netflix, and your bed.
Realization that syllabus week doesn’t exist
Syllabus week. A fancy term where the professor covers course expectations, required texts, and the syllabus, the idea is that there won’t be too much teaching this first week. Well, you are sorely mistaken; the professor will expect you to buy all the textbooks and required reading already. They will enjoy just jumping right in and teaching.
Wishing the semester was over
Day one, day two, maybe even day three isn’t too bad. By day four of the semester, you are realizing how much work you’re going to have this semester and wishing it was miraculously over.
Whether you feel excitement, dread, or just understanding that you have to push though this semester. I want to wish you the very best semester and remind you that you are able to do whatever you set your mind to. Don’t give up, because you can and will get through it, if you are determined to.
