How To: Start Your Semester Off Right
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Student Life

How To: Start Your Semester Off Right

No need to stress over this semester.

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How To: Start Your Semester Off Right
Wohnai, Flickr

As the holidays wind down, the reality of going back to school sets in. There is the excitement of seeing your friends again, and getting back into the groove of things back on campus. However, it also means back to classes. New classes start, and the stress begins to set in. The tests, projects, and labs will be back in full swing. But, with a few tips, all of that stress can go away this semester. This is how to start your second semester right.

1. Order your textbooks

Go ahead and order all of your textbooks while on break. I have mine shipped to school so they are there waiting for me when I get back. Frantically ordering books as you’re starting classes can be stressful, especially when the professor jumps right into a lecture on the first day of class.

2. Have a planner

A planner is the key way to staying on top of things. My planner is the main reason how I survive the semester. I write everything in my planner. All of my homework, upcoming quizzes, projects or tests are in that small, yet useful planner. I also write down any social activities as well, so it’s impossible to forget anything.

3. Actually write in that planner

It’s key to write down anything and everything in the planner, as I just described. There is no point in having a planner if you only write down a few things.

4. Be organized

Organization is something that is really important to me when it comes to classes. Having a designated notebook and folder to each class helps me keep everything in check. Color coordinating notes as well is a fun way to stay organized, and make your notes look pretty! Having color flashcards too can help with studying as a whole.

5. Meet with your professors

At a small school like Furman, we have the benefit of getting to know many of our professors. If you ever have a question, or you are confused on a topic, meet with your professor. Every time I have gone to meet with a professor, I have felt more confident in myself, and I was able to understand more of the class material. It also shows how much you care about the class when you want to meet with your professor one on one.

6. Take it one step at a time

I know one of my biggest issues in the semester can be having too many things at once. Many classes will have tests that cover five or more chapters. The best way to tackle these tests is to start studying one chapter at a time. Write your notecards as you are learning the chapter. Figure out the best way to review ahead of time. Then, about a week before the big test, start studying. You already have your flashcards and review ready, so then study a chapter at a time. Maybe focusing on a chapter each day will be beneficial, and then reviewing as a whole the day before.

7. Taking a break is ok too


Classes can be extremely stressful sometimes. When it gets to be too much, which happens, take a break. Watch a couple of episodes of your favorite show on Netflix, or listen to music. You do not have to be devoted to schoolwork 24/7. A small break goes a long way.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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