The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UIC chapter.
Welcome back to a new semester, I hope everyone is excited for spring and some warmer weather! Before that can happen, though, it seems we will have to endure some snow and cold temperatures first. Every year, I try to start the semester as best as I can to bring good energy to the school year. Some things are easier said than done, like setting aside enough hours for homework and studying daily, but here are some tips that have helped me have a more enjoyable and successful semester overall. I hope they are helpful and that you can use some of these tips to have a great semester!
- Get Involved: Whether you’re a freshman or a senior on campus, don’t be afraid to join a new club and check out the involvement fair that happens every semester on campus. It’s never too late to join a new club and make some new friends. Although this years’ involvement fair has already passed, clubs on campus are still more than willing to welcome new members, so look up any clubs you’d be interested in on campus and get involved! This is a great way to meet new people as well as follow some personal passions that aren’t necessarily associated with your major, or to join some clubs that do pertain to your major and will help you along your academic career.
- Organize and Decorate Your Space: It’s always important to keep your personal space organized so that when you sit down to do homework or relax you feel more comfortable in doing so. If you’re commuting and living at home or in a dorm or an apartment, reorganize your room and put up a new piece of decor if you can to freshen up the space. Start off the new semester strong with a clean place to work and relax. A clean space helps you have a clear mind to focus on what needs to be done. If you’re looking for some advice on how to declutter your room or closet, check out Gaby’s article “Tips on Decluttering Your Closet.”
- Separate Work and Play: The need to excel in school can put a lot of stress on anyone, especially if you also have a job while studying. Remember that as hard as you work, you still need a space to feel relaxed in order to recharge for everything that you do. You don’t need a lot of space to separate your work and studies from the space you relax in. For example, keep all work-related items and homework on your desk or in another room if you have the space, and keep your bed as your spot to relax after a long day. It’s important not to mix the two spaces as much as possible so that you genuinely have your own designated area that makes you feel relaxed and as stress-free as you can.
- Follow a Routine: Curating a routine specific to you is the most helpful way to ensure that you will get stuff done and can also help deter you from procrastinating. Staying on top of your studies and ensuring you have time to complete all of your tasks as well as socialize can make your to-do list seem unmanageable. If your having trouble building a daily routine, check out Imani’s article “Building a Midday Routine,” and some of my previous articles on “Tips for Establishing an Effective Nighttime Routine,” as well as “Tips for Establishing an Effective Morning Routine.” Building a routine can be easier than you think, and they should always benefit and adapt to your personal lifestyle.
- Prioritize You: The start to a new semester can become very stressful very quickly, which is why it’s important to always take a step back from your to-do list and take care of yourself. You are the one who gets you through the school year, so don’t forget to prioritize yourself and check out Imani’s article on “Prioritizing Self Even When the To-Do List is Constantly Growing.”
I hope that you all have an amazing semester and look forward to the warmer weather to come!