Congratulations collegiettes, we made it! The spring semester is here and it is OURS. Forget the GPA you wrecked last semester, take the Netflix app off of your homepage, and sharpen your pencils, because it is time to have the best semester ever. Here are some simple tips you can actually stick to in order to make this semester productive and successful.
1. Set a routine
Having class at 9am one day and 2pm the next may seem fun, but it is a trap to get into poor sleeping habits. Rather than pulling an all nighter one day each week, establish a schedule to wake up the same time each day, which will give you ample opportunity to complete tasks before class on those later days. We know it sucks, but within a week or two you’ll feel great, promise.
2. Make a resume
“But I have a resume” you’re probably whining. Go to Amica, get that s*** torn apart, and make it better. This way, when an opportunity rolls around that you are passionate about, like the perfect job or E-board position, you won’t be stressing to bang out a good resume last minute. 2017 is all about thinking ahead.
3. De-clutter
Organize your shoes, clear off your desk, take out the bits of paper and broken pencils from the bottoms of your bag, and relish at how clean you feel. Do this every few days so by the time the weekend comes, you aren’t hiding your trainwreck of a room from visitors.
4. Slow down with the coffee
We know, it is our life blood, too. But the more you drink it, the more you need it. Don’t make it a habit to stop at the cafe or Dunkin’ just because you feel like it; keep the caffeine for emergencies, like late night meetings or classes you know you’ll fall asleep in. Besides, we could all use some more water.
5. GO TO CLASS
Like, come on.
6. Keep a journal
Maybe it sounds cheesy to you, but this is something you can variate to meet your needs. Everyone needs a little personal reflection time; for some this comes in the form of writing, while others may revel in going for a walk or drive. Whatever floats your boat and keeps you grounded, keep doing it.
7. Stay up to date on emails
Instead of scrolling through Insta in between classes, check your inbox and respond before you forget.
8. Give office hours a try
Easiest way to get a good grade? Show you care. Maybe you’ll end up liking the professor more than you thought, and the class will become more interesting. Or maybe not, but hey, at least you gave it a shot. That’s more than most students can say, and professors take note of that.
9. Use your planner
We know you all went out and bought a $30 pastel planner with the best intentions, so put the money and your fancy pens to use and write s*** down. You may think you’ll remember all of your assignments, group meetings, practices, and birthdays on your own, but you won’t.
10. STOP PROCRASTINATING
Ah, the bane of all students’ existences. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, right? Wrong. Get it done BEFORE more assignments (or, LBR, better plans) come your way. You’ll thank yourself later. This is undoubtedly a challenge at first, but once you get used to being efficient, it becomes second nature.