It can often be difficult to finish the semester strong after juggling classes, work schedules, extracurricular activities, volunteering and family commitments for four months, but what about starting the semester well? If you are concerned about putting your best foot forward at the beginning of this new winter semester, continue reading for some helpful tips and tricks!
1. Write to do lists
Starting the new semester can be a hectic time. Tuition payments are due, classes are starting, textbooks need to be bought, it’s definitely a busy time of year. However, keeping to do lists of all the things you need to get done with dates/deadlines of when they need to be completed is a good way to keep everything organized. It can also help you remember everything in one place, and avoid forgetting small but important tasks that need to be completed.
2. Record goals
Recording your goals for the new semester when it starts is also a great way to help keep you on track and solidify exactly what you’d like to achieve this semester. Are you thinking of trying to achieve a specific GPA? Are you concerned about your sleep schedule, eating habits or exercise routine? Or maybe this is your last semester and you’d really like to schedule more fun activities with your friends. Keeping track of your goals and creating a manageable plan to achieve them during each day, week and month of the semester is a perfect way to make sure it starts well!
3. Try to go shopping before classes start
If you went home for the holiday/winter break, chances are your fridge is probably pretty empty or contains a few expired items. Going grocery shopping before classes begin is an excellent way to minimize stress and chaos, as well as help ensure you have what you need to prepare healthy and delicious meals for the time ahead.
4. Remember your deadlines
The start of the semester is definitely the time to record all your deadlines of quizzes, midterms, research papers and exams on your new calendar. Completing this step at the beginning of the new semester can help you manage your time as well as easily see your busy days or weeks. Including all your deadlines on one calendar can also help you avoid forgetting when important assignments are due or when midterms and other assessments are scheduled.
5. Don’t forget the small stuff
It’s also important to remember to take care of yourself during the first few weeks of the semester. The start of the semester can feel overwhelming, particularly if you’ve had a relaxing and fun winter break, and continuing to eat healthy meals, get enough rest, exercise, and schedule time to have a relaxing bath or watch your favourite movie are great ways to slowly ease into a new schedule and get used to new routines.
Good luck!