Spring Quarter: the two sweetest words in the language of Ohio Bobcat. The mere thought of fest season makes us lick our lips with the taste of cold beer and sigh in anticipation of sizzling sunshine, brots on the grill, live music, mud pits and corn-hole. Eleven weeks worth of 17 fests is an experience that not many college students will ever have the privilege to remember (or not, that is) and much of the bobcat population is revving-up to enjoy spring quarter to its fullest extent.
Before you whip out the funnel, however, bobcats, you’re not paying to party. I hate to play the mom card… but you’re paying for a college degree. Therefore, I’m going to pry open the ultimate Pandora’s box of tips for moderation and motivation in a time when both seem completely unattainable. If you follow my suggestions, you might actually be able to not only achieve a decent GPA upon conclusion of this academic year, but also have a 4.0 in raging.
1.) Though it may be too late to schedule your classes effectively (such as no 8 a.m. classes or classes after 3 on Thursdays), it’s not too late to drop a class. If you’re taking more than 16 credits, you might be setting yourself up for an emotional, physical or academic collapse. Don’t feel like a slacker for shaving down your class hours; it’s better to take fewer credits than slaughter your GPA.
2.) Clean, scrub and organize. Take a Sunday afternoon with your roommate, blast some 90’s jams and scavenge for the closest vacuum. If your living space is pristine, it’ll be easier to maneuver throughout your day and keep track of your surroundings. When your environment is organized, it will psychologically encourage you to keep your academic life just as controlled. You’ll also spend less time looking for things you need and more time getting your work done, therefore having more time to relax. Place your textbooks, daily materials and book bag in plain and tidy sight (such as on your desk surface) where you will always be subtly reminded to study and keep everything together.
3.) If your room is clean, your closet should now be coordinated as well and you’re ready to dress to impress for success. There’s no doubt that appearance affects confidence, which affects our levels of energy and motivation. Falling into the slump of sweats and skipping showers is far too easy, but also easily avoided. Box up half of your casuals (sweats, sleepwear, etc.) and send them home or to the local Goodwill. You will be left with no choice but to put together neglected outfits you’ve purchased. If your style is typically casual, combing your hair, smoothing out the edges and wearing some jewelry makes the difference between looking, and feeling, like a ragamuffin rather than relaxed.
4.) The first few weeks of the quarter are notoriously simple, so take a few minutes to record every test date, homework assignment and term paper into your calendar ahead of time. Then include your meetings, work schedule and other obligations. Last, but not least, add in fests, parties and other social events. Having a calendar with every last detail of your social and academic schedule will not only motivate you through its intimidation, but will lay out which weeks will be easier and when you should take advantage of downtime in order to attend social events.
5.) Try the healthiest energy booster that exists: vitamin B12. It’s “required for proper red blood cell formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis,” according to the Office of Dietary Supplements online. That’s right, there’s a supplement for repairing the drunken damage you put on your tired mind. It’s healthier than a caramel macchiato and will give your energy and immune system the repair it needs after a night of plastered pastime. Taking a multivitamin including B12 will often do the trick, and also obviously fill in the gaps of missing nutrients from a Big Mama’s Burrito diet.
6.) With vitamin supplements, make sure you get as much sleep as possible, when possible. Even if this means a little outside help by a natural sleeping supplement known as Melatonin. It’s non-addictive, safe and natural and can aid the tendency to sit up and stare at facebook for three hours before bed. Before taking any supplement, however, always consult your doctor. If you’re comfortable with taking it, it will help ensure a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep. This will, of course, keep your immune system strong and energy levels high. Don’t worry; Facebook will be there in the morning.
7.) Manipulate your brain and scope out your “No. 1 Success Spot” where you’ll go every single time you need to buckle down and burry your nose in books. While there, try to accomplish as much as humanly possible but plan on working for only one or two hours so you’re not overwhelmed. This consistency will train your brain to respond to this location with concentration upon attendance. The idea is simple: your brain associates Redbrick with play and associates (insert study spot here) with work. For those who are terrified of the library, Baker Center offers the 4th floor Honors Collegium, a quiet lounge that honors your desire for scholastic excellence and because it’s spring quarter, it should be extra quiet.
8.) Sober up your social life. Many collegiettes I know have found themselves in a repetitive cycle: study, work out, attend classes and meetings, eat, sleep, and party. Spring is a season for renewal, gorgeous weather and trying new things (not including beating your record timing for shot gunning 6 beers). Try informal rush for a sorority you’ve admired, join the jitterbug or running club or write an article for HerCampus. No matter the group or organization, give yourself permission to attempt something new and, if not succeed, enjoy it. Diversify your life outside of the regular mull where people only surround you when focused on school or are too ham-shwammed to truly get to know one another.
9.) Here’s where it gets deep: ask yourself, why do I hold all non-academic subjects in my life at highest priority? This may be because you’ve lost your fervor for learning and need a positivity boost in your academic mindset or, a scarier thought, you’re in the wrong major. If you’re generally uninterested in your coursework and loathe the content of your studies, it might be time to set up a meeting with your advisor, favorite professor or the Allen Student Help Center in Baker, which is specifically provided for students who are “academically lost or have multiple concerns and aren’t sure whom to ask,” according to their website.
10.) Take some time to develop a social life with those who will help you get ahead. While you continue to build your social life with your peers, do the same with the faculty in your major, advisor and influential people on campus. Seek out adults and upperclassmen that will provide constant support and advice in any area you may need. Let their stories and words inspire you to make positive choices for your health and growth. Keeping in touch with those who have “been there” will continuously support your drive and knowledge that things will, eventually, work out in the end.