Fall semester: You can cross that off your list! Finally! While everyone is busy getting ready for the holidays, I'll be taking a step back and thinking about what went wrong this semester and how I can improve and prepare for the upcoming spring term. I spent way too much time procrastinating and waited until the last minute for too many, or basically all, of my assignments. So, I'll be creating my calendar before the clock strikes midnight on New Year's! Learn these 9 things before you go back to college for another stressful semester!
Email Etiquette.
Please, whatever you do, don't send your professor an email and start it with "howdy." Address them appropriately, speak formally, and say thank you!
Time Management.
Stop juggling too many things at once. You're gonna drive yourself crazy if you don't manage your time well! No one wants to have to do three papers at once, break it up!
Planning.
Step 1: Get a Planner.
Step 2: Actually USE the planner you bought to be productive.
Write down all the assignments, exams, and events you have at the start of the semester. You will NEVER forget an assignment again.
Go to your professor's office hours.
I promise you, it's worth it! Your professor can be more helpful when you ask them specific questions at a later time, especially if you're in a lecture class of 200 students. Better yet, show up after exams and try and go over the questions you missed. Make sure to remember to email them first... using proper email etiquette (reference tip #1).
How to cook.
Or at least how to NOT burn easy Mac. Pro tip: Add the water before you microwave it.
How to properly read a syllabus.
Most of the information you need to know for a course can be found in the syllabus. PSA: some (most) professors get mad if you ask them about something that's stated in the syllabus! Save yourself. Read your syllabus first! Check assignment due dates, grading scale, and final exam date; all of which can be found on the syllabus.
How to cite sources.
This is so important when you're writing anything and using outside sources. This doesn't have to be just for papers, it can be for small assignments. Know when to use quotations and when to italicize.
How to use MLA format.
Or APA or Chicago. Know how to format your papers. It will help you when it comes to citing your information as well! There are so many cites to help you if you don't know what you're doing. Purdue Owl is a great source!
How to de-stress.
Please take care of yourself. Self-care is super important! Take time to yourself when you need it. Take a bubble bath, do a face-mask, light some candles. Whatever you need to do to relax, do it!
