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How To Start Off the Semester Right

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

We’ve all been there- at the start of every spring semester, we come back on our college campuses, completely refreshed. New year, new mind. We’re determined to get that 4.0 on our transcripts, work out everyday, and get a decently healthy amount of sleep. Unfortunately, as most of us know, we are usually not able to maintain all these ambitious goals. But in hopes of not falling into that same trap this semester, here are some tips:

1. Use a planner.

“I’ll do that in thirty minutes, I swear”. How many of us have muttered this phrase to ourselves sometime in the past week? By having a planner, we are better able to hold ourselves accountable and insure that we get everything done. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of crossing off a big assignment that’s been sitting on our notebook all week.

    

2. Eat something in the morning.

We’re usually hurriedly rushing to our first class in the morning after pressing “snooze” on our alarm at least three times. In fact, we’re usually in such a rush that we’ll convince ourselves that breakfast is unnecessary and it’s okay to wait until lunch. However, as many of us have heard, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. By filling yourself up with nutritional meals from very early on, you will have so much more energy for classes and you will likely perform much better.

3. Use Netflix only as a reward.

I have this bad habit where I always have a tab for Netflix open on my computer. After spending hours studying for a class, I tell myself that the assignment for another class is so easy that I’ll be okay if I quickly watch a movie while simultaneously completing homework. Don’t do that. Make sure that you are prioritizing work and only reward yourself when you are satisfied with the progress you made. In fact, don’t even log onto Netflix until you’re sure it’s okay to.

4. Make at least one friend in each class.

Whether or not you have at least one person in a class who you can talk to, rely on, or study together can make a huge difference on your experience for that class. Even if you are of the shy type, taking that step out of your comfort zone and introducing yourself to the person next to you will most likely be mega beneficial. Who knows, maybe they’ll become your best friend!

 

5. Take the time to know your professors from the start.

Especially here at Boston College, we as students are fortunate enough to be in classes so small that professors are able to actually know our names. We are able to form relationships with both our classmates and our faculty, which is not something that can be done by every other college student in the United States. Take advantage of this opportunity.

6. Make time for yourself.

The importance of this cannot be overstated. Classes and stacks of homework can easily become overwhelming and it’s crucial to take some time for yourself. Whether it be going to the gym for a run or cozying up in your bed with a good old book, make sure to allot time to take care of and appreciate yourself.

Cheers! 

Sources: 

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http://78.media.tumblr.com/66eca4715f0753bfa2a6d04497c47937/tumblr_mwgme…

 

 

 

 

Vanessa is a senior at Boston College studying Economics and Communications. She is proud to be the Campus Correspondent of Her Campus at Boston College!