As summer winds down and students begin to settle back on campus, we are all anticipating and preparing ourselves for the semester ahead. We’re curious as to how we will handle what’s thrown our way with maximum credit hours, two-a-days, and all of the other extracurricular activities we’ve gotten ourselves into. Whether you are an incoming freshman who’s nervous for the first day of classes or a returning senior who’s just looking forward to graduation, there are a few important things to keep in mind when getting back into the swing of things.
All students go through a phase where they are extremely proactive and motivated during the first few weeks. However, this motivation does not have to cease. Organization, time management, and even simply implying a reasonable and attainable routine will lead to survival throughout this semester.
As a senior, I have found that good organization skills have saved my life throughout my time at Wesleyan. In my opinion, your life will only be as chaotic as the environment you create for yourself. Color coding folders and notebooks according to classes has always been beneficial to me. Utilizing folders and notebooks has helped to always keep track of syllabi and other handouts needed for class. Make sure everything has a place. Your mind will thank you for it.
Time management is also extremely important. For some, college is their first taste of independence, and students often bite off more than they can chew. Being involved in as many clubs and organizations as possible is usually never a bad thing, and it usually helps make your college experience that much better; however, in doing this, time management skills are crucial. The use of a planner is a great tip! Poor planning typically leads to procrastination, and procrastination will put you far behind.
Overall, having a schedule and a daily routine will help keep you focused and stay motivated. Don’t panic! Just remember these few tips to best kick-off this fall, and you’ll be successful in having a stress free and fun semester of college. Enjoy!