9 Things College Students Need To Learn Before Spring
Start writing a post
Student Life

9 Things College Students Need To Learn Before The Spring Semester

Do yourself a favor and learn from the mistakes you made this semester.

28
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-planner-and-writing-materials-760710/
Pexels

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!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48049
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30501
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954461
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

173886
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments