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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

Ah yes, the beginning of the “spring” semester. A time when the temperatures drop, the sidewalks are covered in salt and the wind prevents anyone from having a good hair day. Coming back to campus brings with it ridiculous amounts of parking lot traffic and, of course, all your teachers have already given you assignments. But never fear. With these 7 tips you might be able to push through these first couple of weeks.

Related: How to Handle the Stressful Beginnings of a Semester

1. Make a date with your college friends.

Going back home can be nice, but it’s tough to go from seeing your friends everyday to not seeing them at all. Start the semester off on a positive note by reuniting with your college pals and spending some quality time together before your schedules fill up. Whether it’s going out for coffee or just talking in your dorm, you have a lot to catch up on!

Via Pixabay

2. Change up your dorm room

New year, new me, new room! Spice up your life and add some cute new decor to your dorm room. You’d be surprised what a few new pictures and fairy lights can add. You can find more tips and tricks here!

Via Librestock

3. Treat yo self!

Dining hall food can be the worst and, on top of that, everyone loves to start new diets in the new year. Before you get stuck singing the dining hall blues or crying over some veggies that you’ve been eating for weeks, head out to your favorite restaurant and have your own last supper. You deserve it!

Via Librestock

4. Plan ahead!

As good as you may be at procrastinating, it’s always good to get ahead while you can. Find your class syllabi, whip out those planners, and put your time management skills to work. Marking the dates of tests, papers, and projects can be daunting, but it will save your life when you’re trying to stay organized later on in the semester.

Via Librestock

5. Get into a daily routine

That alarm for the first 9am of the semester is always the worst. Do yourself a favor by starting a daily routine early on. Something as simple as making your bed and eating breakfast will give you the energy you need to start the day and the time you need to wake up your mind.

Via FoodiesFeed

6. Take some time for yourself

We all know how frazzled we can get during the semester. Before things get busy, assess yourself. How is your mental health? Physical? Emotional? Do what you need to get yourself in a healthy and happy place before the stress starts to take over. Whether that’s exercise, meditation, painting, or something else. Try to start off the semester in a good place.

Via Librestock

And last but not least,

7. Get pumped up for the next semester!

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School can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun! Start thinking about the classes you’re excited to take, plan some parties, look for events to go to, set some goals and get ready for a fresh start!

Via Giphy

I have a good feeling about 2019. So this semester, let’s not just survive. Let’s thrive, collegiettes!

Erin Pugh

George Mason University '21

Erin is a sophomore at George Mason University pursuing a BFA in Theater Performance. She is also a teaching artist with Acting for Young People. Erin enjoys singing, learning to dance, writing, and reading in her free time. She is very excited to begin writing for Her Campus George Mason, as it combines two of her favorite things: being creative and women empowerment.
George Mason Contributor (GMU)

George Mason University '50

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