Let’s face it, we’re all itching to get back to school. Being home for a month definitely had its perks – home cooked food, catching up with old friends, and lots and lots of Netflix binges. Yet you’re starting to get stir crazy thinking about that feeling of independence of not having to tell your parents where you are at every moment of the day, ignoring studying by turning any weeknight into a wine night with your roommates and ordering Chinese at 2am.
Below are some useful tips to make going from lying on your couch eating Doritos all day to getting back to the daily grind of school and work a little easier!
1. New year, new planner!
Starting off a new semester with a new planner will automatically eliminate clutter, bad memories of last semester and help you stay organized. (Pro-tip: the bigger the better! The larger spaces you have to write in, the easier it will be to manage your time and classes!)
2. Put down the Netflix!
Let’s face it; it’s been a good run. You successfully watched all 9 seasons of One Tree Hill, all 6 seasons of Gossip Girl and all 7 seasons of Gilmore Girls within a month. You should feel proud. But it’s time to stop telling yourself “Just one more episode…” at 3AM, and start focusing on your schoolwork!
3. Get your textbooks ASAP!
You know from experience – textbooks are NOT cheap. Instead of wasting all of your hard earned cash from your seasonal position as Santa’s Helper at your hometown mall, start checking out Amazon and other online textbook rental websites as soon as you get back. (Pro-tip: If you’re allowed to have your laptop or tablet in class, try to find an online version of the books you need. Most of the time they are much cheaper!)
4. Put aside money for emergencies
Whether it’s your car breaking down, unexpected club dues or NEEDING to get a flapper dress and feather boa for that Great Gatsby party you CANNOT miss – you’re most likely going to find yourself in a minor financial crisis at some point during the semester. Having an emergency fund will alleviate that stress and the embarrassment of having to call your parents to borrow money.
5. Bring your winter wardrobe!
Sweater weather is here! As much as you want to wear that adorable summer dress you got on clearance over break, leave it home for now. Pack plentiful warm layers and boots, and then switch wardrobes to lighter clothing over spring break. It will not only save you space in that small closet in your dorm room, but it will prevent you from making a major fashion faux-pas of wearing that crop top in the snow storm.
6. Get the flu shot
The flu has hit epidemic level, and being in close proximity to lots of people opens the risk of you catching it. Save yourself the trouble and go get your flu shot. You can get it from your primary care doctor, most chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens or sometimes even your school’s health center. (Even without insurance, it’s really cheap!) On top of that, make sure you wash your hands frequently and take well care of your body!
7. Stock up on as much leftovers that your mini-fridge can fit!
Face it, you’ve been spoiled. Your parents keep the fridge stocked and you probably haven’t had to eat or even think of Ramen in over a month. Going back to school and having to eat gross dining hall food is always a hard adjustment – so go through your parents fridge and get as much as you can to make it easier for you to ease your way back in to the mystery meat surprise they serve on Mondays…
8. Coordinate schedules with your roomies to avoid unnecessary drama
As soon as everyone is back, discuss boundaries, what days are going to be SUPER crazy for you/them and when it’s appropriate to have guests over. Also, make up a new chore chart that accommodates everyone. The less drama you have, the more time you have for endless bottles of wine, creating ridiculous costumes for themed parties and making memories that will last a lifetime!
9. Set a routine, and try to stick to it!
Beware of the snooze button! It’s hard to keep a stable routine at college because no day is the same, but the best thing you can do is wake up every day at the same time. Try to wake up a few hours before class, too. That way you can make yourself a good breakfast, get a little extra studying in, or even hit the gym!
10. Have fun!
T-Swift said it best! This is the one time where our sole responsibility is to work hard, learn and make memories that will last a lifetime – so make sure you do! Take risks, meet as many new people as you can and enjoy your spring semester!
Picture Sources: Tumblr and Pintrest