1. Prepare for the upcoming semester. 

Buy the appropriate materials you need such as books, notebooks, study utensils, and whatever you else you may need for your classes.

Preparing ahead of time will ensure you are not rushing around your college's student store to find these items. This will make the first few days of class a little easier on you.

2. Prioritize your responsibilities and utilize a planner.

Lists are a great way to know and keep track of what you need to get done. It is recommended to rate your tasks in some sort of order such as what is due first or what is most important and work your way down your list.

3. Make a list of long-term and short-term goals. so you have a hard copy to reference to keep you on track with what you want to accomplish.

If one of your goals is to become a better writer, then consider also taking advantage of resources provided on your college's campus such as a writing center which has the tools you need to improve.

Then you can easily keep track of what you want to accomplish.

4. Treat yourself for achieving goals as you go.

Some people are considered to be motivated extrinsically so this means you may enjoy rewards such as food, praise from peers, or receiving a scholarship. Others are more positively motivated by intrinsic rewards such as going to the gym because it relieves stress, reading a specific genre because you enjoy it, or studying for a test because you want to do well on it. Find out what motivates you and incorporate small rewards for your victories along the way.

5. Do what makes you the happiest and healthiest version of yourself.

I personally enjoy being able to be active in various ways such as going to the gym to work out or walking around greenways to get a view of nature.

6. Fill your life with friends and family that lift you up. 

After all, you are who you surround yourself with. Think about the people in your life and decide if they make you a better person on a daily basis or not and then go from there.

7. Learn how to manage your time more wisely.

I know we all have various organizations we are a part of, class to attend, tests to study for, social lives, and more. Even with all of those different aspects of life, they can all still be juggled. Instead of spending an hour watching a Netflix show, you can read a chapter of your textbook instead to prepare for class. There are many small and simple changes that can make your life more manageable.

8. Develop study times during the week.

Find a quiet area free from distractions including your cell phone! Take the time to assess how you learn best as well and use various studying techniques that best accommodate your individual learning style. For example, the needs of a visual learner will be different from the needs of an auditory learner and so forth.

9. Be able to manage your money.

Having a lack of monetary resources is a major stressor for many college students.

Try to keep track of your spending because a lot of people underestimate how much they spend in the first place. Also, consider coming up with a budget plan that fits your individual needs and stick to it. Be realistic about your goals or needs when it comes to spending and saving. Try to think of some ways you can reduce your spending such as eating out less often.

10. Show up for class and get to know your professors.

Often times just being in class is half the battle and participation/attendance is usually a good portion of the overall course grade so don't lose the easy points. Do the best you can to be present in class and ask questions so the professor knows you are paying attention. It is wise to have a good relationship with your professors because they will be able to help you if you ever need them and you will feel like you can talk to them.