Hello again collegiettes! By now we’re all getting used to being back at school. Winter break is unfortunately in the past, so now we’re counting down the days until summer. In case you’re missing winter break and having a hard time getting into the swing of things, here are some tips to help you start your semester right!
1. Your syllabus is your best friend
Do not lose it. Don’t throw it out, don’t let it get lost under the pile of papers on your desk, and don’t use it as scrap paper for that piece of gum that lost its flavor. The syllabus is one of the most important parts of class. It has every due date you need, the professor’s contact information and office hours. It literally has everything. Actually read it! Don’t be the student that asks the professor something only for the response to be, “It’s in the syllabus.”
2. Use a planner
I know planners aren’t for everyone, but they’re so important. Once you get your syllabus, make note of every important date in your planner. Then fill in other things like social events, meetings, etc. It’s a great tool to stay organzed. It doesn’t have to be super expensive like the Erin Condren one (*sighs* they’re so beautiful), it could be a simple one from Target. If you absolutely hate planners, then find an app on your phone. You might have to get used to it, but trust me, your life will be so much easier.
3. Divide your work
You see that guy sleeping into his textbook? You don’t want that to be you. Don’t think you’re going to read 1 whole chapter for each class in one night. Read a few pages everyday to make the chapter feel shorter. If you’re trying to read it all at once, nothing will stick. Also, if you have papers to do, don’t rush them the night before. We have all done that at least once in our life, but you will feel less stressed when you do it over the course of the week.
4. It’s OK to ask for help
If you feel yourself falling behind, ask for help! This is why professors have office hours. You don’t want to be lost the second day of classes and stay lost throughout the semester. Most professors do care about your education and will make sure you understand. If you’re stuck with a professor that just doesn’t explain it well (I’m sorry if this happens), then form study groups or take advantage of tutoring services on campus!
5. Take breaks
The key to starting the semester right and keeping it right is motivation. It can be easy to lose motivation if all you do is homework. You start to feel overwhelmed and tired. Remember that you are still young and need to take a break! Take a night off and go hang with some friends or catch up on your favorite show. Your brain will thank you for it. It won’t be the end of the world if you take a homework free day. You don’t wanna look back at college and say all you did was work do you? Nope, I don’t think so.
I hoped these tips helped you or gave you some good ideas! DJ Khaled would agree that these are the keys to success haha. We hope your semester has started on the right foot!