1. Wake up early.
Hear me out. I mean maybe if you have an 8 a.m. this won’t sound quite as awesome, but try waking up 20 minutes earlier tomorrow. If you’re anything like me, you’ll totally be glad you did when you have time to actually enjoy your cereal and sip on coffee instead of grabbing a burnt piece of toast on your way out the door.
2. Get more involved in and outside of class.
Push your comfort zone! If you can’t imagine yourself answering a teacher’s question, try pushing your limits outside of class. Join that club you’ve been interested in. Go to that study session you know would help your grade. Worst case, you can say you tried.
3. Make the library your friend.
If you know me, you know this: I live at Carrier. If I’m not in the library working on some project or assignment, I’m likely in line upstairs to get coffee. If you have gaps in between your classes or some extra time after class, go to the library and see what work you can knock out. That way, you can actually enjoy having your afternoon or night when you get home.
4. Pick up a non-academic and non-resume hobby.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s totally great to be involved in organizations and activities similar to your major. But don’t let that consume you. Find something you love doing that won’t in any way help with your job hunt. For me (as lame as it sounds), I’ve gotten really into coloring. I’m not going to tell a future employer that I have some great pictures of flower patterns I’ve colored in, but it sure relaxes me.
5. Go to office hours!
I’ll admit, I didn’t start doing this until last semester. If you’re struggling in a class, go right to the source and talk to your professor. Even if you aren’t struggling, try going to office hours after a test to review what you might have missed and see how you can improve. Make this the year of your best self!
6. Celebrate little victories.
Did you finally leave on time this morning? Did you remember to do all of your class readings? Did you contribute in class and actually say something right? Treat yourself! You don’t have to wait for a giant milestone to feel like you did well.
7. Go to D-Hall (and the dining options built into it) while it’s still here.
I used to hate D-Hall, but as its last days draw near, I can already tell I’m going to miss it. Make the most of that beautiful buffet in its final months.
8. Watch a show that’s not on Netflix.
I’m not knocking watching shows on Netflix, believe me, but you can do that anytime. Try picking up a regularly scheduled show and watch it as it first broadcasts. Personally, I look forward to watching New Girl on Tuesday nights all day. It’ll give you a little milestone to work towards, and it’ll help you practice patience (if you’re anything like me).
9. Find what makes you confident and work it.
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I can take on the world when I have freshly painted nails. I rarely actually make the time to paint them, but when I do I feel invincible. Whatever it is that makes you feel invincible, try to take advantage of that as much as possible.
10. Treat every class like it’s your hardest class.
Even if you think you could get by without trying, put in the effort. If nothing else, it’s a great way to pay respect to your teachers and fellow students. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, but try not skipping class. (Cheesiest joke of the post:) The best gift you can give is your presence (once again, I’m sorry for the cheesiness.)
Find what works for you! If you’ve gotten into a habit and it makes you feel like this is your best semester yet, by all means keep at it. Try out some of these if you’re looking to shake up your semester- hopefully, for the best.