Well it’s that time again. A new year and a new semester. A chance to start over and do better, but note that it does not matter what day or year it is. You can choose to make goals and do better for yourself at anytime. After a nice break full of fun and celebration, it’s time to return to your studies. Maybe last semester did not go well for you. Maybe your grades weren’t where you needed or wanted them to be. Here are six things you can do to make this semester better.
1. Go to Your Professor’s Office Hours
Many students do not take advantage of going to their professor’s office hours for extra help. If you are struggling in a class or don’t understand something, it doesn’t hurt to ask for help. There is no such thing as a dumb question. If you do not have the most helpful professor, maybe visit a professor you had in the past who knows you well and is a part of your particular college.
2. Manage Your Time
Procrastination is a real problem among college students. If you do not plan ahead and manage your time, that is not the professor’s fault. Get a planner and write all of your assignments and readings down in it. Do not choose to hang out with friends, watch tv, or be on your phone. You have to make the decision to get things done on time and not make excuses. Even if you have a job, you still need to make an effort to plan accordingly.
3. Get Your Work Done Early
If you know you have multiple assignments due the same day or tests and quizzes due on the same day as assignments, it does not hurt to try and get things done early. This can save you from overworking yourself and being stressed. If you get work done early, then you have more time to have fun with friends or do things for yourself.
4. Leave Student Organizations
If your involvement in student organizations are getting in the way of your grades then you may need to pull back. Talk to those in charge of your organization and see if it would be ok for you to take a week or two to focus on studies if you do not want to completely leave the organization.
5. Take Care of Yourself
You should take care of your mental, physical, and emotional health at all times. If you are too busy or overworked and it causes you stress, anxiety, and depression then you need to take the necessary measure to make sure your life is balanced. School is important but it does not come before you and your health. Also, do not forget to take time to enjoy yourself. You should not choose it over getting your assignments done, but if all you do is study and never take time for yourself then that may not be a positive thing either.
6. Get a Tutor/Study in Groups
Studying in groups can be distracted if you are really good friends with people, but you have to make the choice to stay focused. Studying with other people can be helpful if someone understands something better and are able to teach it too you. If assignments are too hard you can work with other people to get the assignment done faster while learning something you did not know. Another option is to get a tutor or go to an SI session.