Let’s face it. Beginnings are very tricky for all of us, especially when it’s a new semester. Whether you’re a plucky freshman eager to get away from Mom and Dad for the first time, or a seasoned sophomore ready to purge last year from your memory (speaking from experience here), we can all make sure that we start off this fall semester the right way. What better way to do so than dispense sage advice for surviving the semester at UHM from history’s greatest she-roes?
- The Class Discord Is NOT Social Interaction, Go Make Friends!
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“Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life.” -Eleanor Roosevelt.
The pandemic has done a real number on our social skills. However, with things being back in person for a full academic year, it’s a great time to finally get a social life back! The initial anxiety of meeting new people can be difficult, especially if your mind just can’t get past that stage of “what the hell am I doing, I need to fake a medical emergency!” Two years of isolation will definitely do that to you, what can I say? My personal recommendation is to find a group in which you have a shared reason to be there, so you aren’t THAT person approaching people cramming for tests in the library. Also, you will have at least one thing in common with the other people, which at least gives you something to talk about.
You can easily find a group of people to hang out with by arranging meet-ups through your class group chat, especially if your in-person classes are too big to get a chance to talk to people. It’s a fast and easy way to talk to people and commiserate. Also, another great way to meet more people is through attending one of the UH Manoa campus center’s social events (such as their recent Welcome Back Bash). The UH Manoa campus center’s website also offers a list of various clubs, which you can use to meet people who have things in common with you. Pro tip: look on the website for “Registered Independent Organizations (RIOs).”
- Do Your Damn Homework & Don’t Procrastinate
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“The most effective way to do it-is to do it,” -Amelia Earhart
The semester has only just recently started. I know that it’s super tempting to put off assignments, especially if you’re a STEM major, but just don’t do it. Procrastination is one of those habits where it will snowball, so it can easily accumulate and cause major problems later. Make your homework manageable by getting a planner and spreading your assignments out into chunks sorted by day before the due date. If you’re one of those people who can’t get things done until they have a spurt of energy, all you have to do is make sure you get your “daily work” done at some point throughout the day. It’s a great way to help you manage your time with assignments. Your GPA will thank you.
- When You DO Procrastinate, Stay Calm!
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“I don’t handle fear very well; I’m not a very good terrified person,” -Stevie Nicks
Okay. None of us are perfect. We don’t ALL listen to number two all the time. You might find yourself in a situation where you decide to do an assignment later, just because you want to go out for the night (or stay in doing anything but the assignment, I won’t judge). Turns out, said assignment is longer than expected. Then there’s a worksheet you forgot about. Oops. There’s also a paper. In this situation, don’t panic! It can get INCREDIBLY overwhelming and stressful, but you can’t do anything if you’re paralyzed with anxiety. When these situations happen, tackle assignments by doing them in order from assignments that take the least amount of time to assignments that take the longest amount of time. That way, you can make sure you get the most work done with your limited time.
- If You’re Dorming At UH, Get A Fan!
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“Alas! That my body…today must be consumed and burned to ashes,” -Joan of Arc
I’m absolutely not ashamed of using a quote from a woman who was quite literally burned at the stake to explain why you need to make sure you have a fan in student housing. Out of pocket? Yes. Appropriate for this situation? Also yes. I spent my freshman year in the Hale Aloha dorms, where they do not have AC in the buildings. In fact, if you bring one in, you will be fined. Naturally, the dorm rooms are sweltering hot. If you don’t want to feel like you’re being burned alive like poor Joan of Arc, you or your roommate need to invest in an electric fan.
- Finally, Be Confident, Be Yourself, And Have Fun!
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“The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence”- Beyoncé
Time to end this on a high note from Beyoncé. College is about finding yourself and living YOUR life. Be confident! If you go into the semester with the right frame of mind to make it a great semester, you will have a great semester! Sure, there are things out of our control, but ultimately our own self-confidence is what will make or break a semester. There’s only so much an online article can do for you, and that’s the truth. It’s all up to you now. Are you ready to take on Fall 2022?