2015 has ended and 2016 has begun. And with the New Year comes a new semester, and the chance to get rid of some old bad habits and make some positive changes. But the first week back at school, although full of friends and fun, can be really, really weird. It seems like just about the time we got used to being on winter break, whether at home or on vacation, we have to go back to dorm rooms or apartments. This means going back to meal plans and late-night junk food, classes and homework, and a whole new schedule. Sleep schedules have to be readjusted, and some of us have to get used to sharing bedrooms and bathrooms with other people again. It’s stressful to think about a semester’s worth of work for each new class, but at the same time stress-free because most courses have yet to assign much homework. It’s great to see friends again, but the constant barrage of people can be simultaneously overwhelming. To encapsulate the weirdness that is the first week of a new semester, I’ve compiled some well-known reactions to syllabus week situations from some of our favorite fictional characters, Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson.
1. When you hear someone talking about taking 20+ credit hours.
A rare few students can manage this kind of course load without breaking a sweat, but for the vast majority of us, this is academic suicide. As someone who has learned from experience, a schedule this full comes at the price of a lot of things; sleep, social life, and the quality of the academic work that gets turned in, not to mention any potential jobs or internships.
So take a cue from Ron and re-think your schedule before committing. As long as you're sure you're taking what you need and challenging yourself while also performing your best, then there's no need to stretch yourself too thin.
2. When you can see the stress coming at you like a freight train, but it hasn't hit yet and you don't know what to do with your free time.
Your sleep schedule gets messed up because you have the time to sleep in AND take naps.
You also may start taking up weird hobbies to keep yourself busy. Whatever you do, try and find a way to relax and enjoy the time off; it's rare, so take advantage of it while you can.
3. When you aren't used to going out on weeknights but decide to get cute and go to the campus bar to play trivia with your friends.
You decide to put on real-people clothes and make an effort, which turns out feeling really, really nice. It also feels a little rebellious to go out on a weeknight, if that's not your usual thing.
But, while you're out, you may feel confused by the large number of people out having a good time, listening to songs you may not know and doing things you haven't yet realized are cool. But, you've just gotta keep on keeping on.
4. When you take a moment to recognize the super cool job/internship/project/research you're taking on top of your course work.
Be proud of yourself. You're doing a ton of work and generally kicking butt, so it's good to take some time and appreciate yourself for that.
Take pride in what you're doing, and be confident. You know yourself, and you know what you're doing. Recognize that, and let other people recognize it too.
5. When you reunite with your roommate and fill each other in on the events that transpired over break.
It's really nice to see your roommate again after a month apart, and it's fun to fill each other in on everything you did while you were away. Even if you did absolutely nothing, there's nothing quite like spending quality time sharing stories.
It can kind of feel like a party to be reunited again, and you make plans for how awesome the semester is going to be.
6. When you walk into your first math class since high school, and realize just how rusty you've gotten.
Even if you were good at math, not doing it for a few years can make it a new-found challenge. So dust off those cobwebs, go to class, read the textbook, and figure it out. Math, or any other subject, doesn't have to be a nightmare.
If you're really struggling, talk to the professor and go to TA sessions. With some work, you can figure this out and reclaim your academic prowess.
7. When you realize that you can go back to eating whatever you want, whenever you want (which may or may not be a good thing).
Breakfast food at 2:00 am? You got it. Take-out delivered to your dorm or apartment any time day or night? No problem.
Between meal plans, delivery, and eats within walking and/or driving distance, there is no shortage of food to be found in your life. Careful, though; too many of those late-night snacks may leave you feeling sick if you overdo it.
8. When you realize you have a limited number of semesters remaining, and make a vow to enjoy the time left as much as possible.
Even if you have several years left, take a few moments to enjoy it. Although nothing is ever perfect, we have it pretty great right now.
It's cliche, but this is a time to do crazy things without regret. Let's try and take advantage of the opportunity.
Whether you're a Leslie or a Ron, syllabus week brings out a wide range of emotions in us all. But, hopefully, there's time for some fun along the way, before stress hits and time seems to slip away.
