The holidays are over and real life has resumed. Long gone are the comforting and undistinguishable days of lounging aimlessly on the couch wearing only pajamas, and what looms ahead is daunting: semester two. It is a new year and a new semester, so here are some tips to make it a successful one.
1. Get Organized – Clutter can confuse a brain as well as a workplace, so start fresh by clearing it out. File away (or recycle) old papers, move out unnecessary textbooks, and spruce up that desk.
2. Know Your Limits – Yes, new things are exciting – especially new subjects, books, schedules, classmates, clubs, and shows on Netflix – but they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. Try to resist filling your entire day and night with activities (binge watching included), and carve out just a couple hours each day for you.
3. Keep Visible Reminders – Using a daily planner is a common way to remember a tasks, assignments, or meetings; however sometimes it’s hard to remember to actually check your planners. A foolproof solution is to hang a small whiteboard on the back of your bedroom door. Write assignments on the always visible board, or simply write “Check planner” and never erase it for an even easier fix.
4. Read Your Syllabuses – They can be long and boring, but, they can also provide insight to how the class will be run and the professor’s pet peeves (being late, etc).
5. Talk – Speak to surrounding classmates to form new friendships and helpful study groups. Though try to refrain from doing so during the lecture. Professors are also people, and conversing with them, whether after class or during office hours, could create a beneficial connection.
6. Have Fun – Remember: Nothing is ever as drastic and life-changing as it seems in the moment. Keep your head on straight, chin up, and stress low.