Let’s face it…the second semester is always harder than the first. Morning classes require us to trudge through the snow, it’s cold, and dark, and our beds seem more and more appealing the farther we walk away from it. Then, the weather gets nice, and we want to be outside, breathing in the Spring air. Then BAM it’s 80 degrees and studying for finals is synonymous with pain. But a change in perception can change so many things.
We are about five weeks into this semester and a little less than four weeks away from spring break. I know that it seems like we have already been back at school for months and you are thinking, “how in the world you are going to survive?!” but don’t worry because I’ve got some tips to help you endure the rest of the semester!
Get ahead on homework. Whenever you have time, try to get ahead on your homework. This means that during weekends, prioritize your time and do homework for Monday and Tuesday. I know this sounds like a lot but believe me it can be done and it will make your week so much more relaxing because it will give you time to do other things like working out, hanging out with friends or doing that application that is due tomorrow.
Go to bed earlier. With all the homework and meetings we have, it seems that this is just not possible but let’s be honest, sometimes the reason why we are up till 1:00 is because we just have to watch that next episode of House of Cards. Going to bed a little earlier helps us wake up with a smile or at least maybe without running to café Allegro for a large coffee.
Separate social media time and homework time. If you are doing homework commit to doing homework but you can still carve out time for social media. Do homework and then reward yourself with checking Instagram or Twitter.
Get help when you need it. Go to professor’s office hours. As you get later into the semester the course work gets harder and starts to load up. Don’t be afraid to go to your professor to ask for help. Don’t let your pride get in the way of your grade!
Don’t be afraid to go out and have fun. All this work can be tiring! Don’t forget to go out and have fun with your friends. Take a break from work, go to Marvin’s and have a sleepover with your friends or go out! We all need a break.
Make time for yourself. In college we are constantly spending time in classes and with our friends but having an equal amount of time for you is just as important. So spend the night in, order some food and binge watch Netflix.
Keep in touch with your family. Although it is sometimes nice not to have your parents breathing down your neck, we all miss them from time to time. To be quite honest, when you are on the brink of a breakdown, it’s your family that keeps you sane.
Go to different DePauw events. Our campus always has a lot going on! DePauw always has some fun events to attend, so it’s nice to take a break and go to a talent show or a speaker just to relieve the stress.
Count on your friends. Always know on whom you can rely on! Times are going to get difficult and you are going to need your goofy friends to uplift your spirits.
Stay positive. It’s simple really- being positive always makes your life a whole lot easier!