As the summer winds down and the first week of classes comes swiftly upon us, there's a couple of things to remember when trying to get through the first week of classes. It can be tough, and it sets you up for the rest of the semester. So find your can-do attitude and run down the list.
1. Reset Your Sleep Schedule: You should really do that this week, so when you have classes, you're bright eyed and ready to go when it comes to actually having to get up and go learn something new. Nothing sucks more than staying on your summer sleep pattern and missing your morning classes, or realizing you're late and not being able to eat breakfast because you're rushing.
2. Dress Nicely: This week is your week for making an impression with your professors and classmates. Don't risk a bad one by showing up in your pajamas or something outrageous. Being overdressed can cause issues too, so find a happy medium where you're comfortable and shows that you're excited for your class.
3. Save The Syllabus: This is one of the most important things because that syllabus is your lifeline. Don't know when something is due? Check the syllabus before asking someone. Want to know when you don't have class? Check the syllabus. There will probably be changes, but at least there's a base for you to work from.
4. Talk to People: And by people, I mean your professors and classmates. You'll be with them all semester, and making at least one or two friends in class will make the world so much easier. Talking to your professor can show them that you mean business, you're here for the class and it will make it easier for them to know who they're speaking to when you inevitably email them with questions.
5. Stake Out Good Study Spots: You can't always study in your room - you'll more than likely get distracted and end up not studying at all. So find a place where it's quiet, you can concentrate and claim it. Once you start showing up every week or so to sit there, people will understand that you've staked a claim on that spot and it'll probably still be open when you need it.
6. Arrange Your Calendar: Remember that syllabus? Grab a calendar or planner and make sure you can see at least a week ahead. This will help you stop from panicking because you have a 5 page paper due tomorrow and you didn't know about it because you didn't have dates in your face. Personally, I use a planner and a calendar. This is so I can see the month in advanced and get an idea of how busy I will be that month. Then, in the planner, it'll give me a more in depth understanding of how crazy my week will be.
7. Find A Club To Join: You'll be too stressed if you don't find something to do. Find a club that you're interested in and sign up. Most clubs will have events that you can go to and enjoy for free or a very small amount of money (the most I've paid is around $20 for a club event). Most colleges will have a club fair at the beginning of the semester so you can see what's available and the type of people you'll be hanging out with once you join a club.
8. Get Some Food: Whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, you should go grocery shopping at some point. Get some quick breakfast foods, some snacks and some instant meals. Sometimes you'll be hungry and the dining hall won't be open, so it's a good idea to have something in your room to munch on.
9. Get Your Books: You can wait until the end of the week for this, but you should get your books just in case. Even if you don't use it, you can sell it at the end of the semester for at least a little money.
10. Start Reading: When you do get your books, start on your work. The sooner you start, the less stressed you'll be about due dates because you've already got an idea of what's in store for you. Don't be that person who starts the night before.
11. Relax: Make sure you take a little time to breathe. College is stressful, and the first week can be a harried race to Friday. Go get food with friends or go to the mall for a change in location because I promise, college can feel a little constricting when you only go to class, food, and your room.
