When a new semester rolls around, every student starts setting new goals. For me, it’s about actually making it to the gym and staying organized. It’s not easy to stay loyal, and halfway through the semester you may find your goals easily slipping through the cracks. Here are my tips to beating the mid-semester laziness early while getting the most out of the semester.
1. Stay organized. This one is much harder than it sounds. Keeping a planner updated or writing to-do lists is not everyone’s cup of tea. For a lot of students, planning ahead is the biggest obstacle they have to overcome. My advice is this: during the first week of classes, take each syllabus and write every important assignment, quiz or exam in your planner. Make your own general system for keeping track of notes and assignments. That way, you always know what’s going on and don’t ever have to panic.
2. Prioritize. A lot of students tend to push the big, important things off and stick to the small busy work they’re given. Make a vow to prioritize and remember that missing one homework assignment won’t affect your grades as much as getting a C on your final project!
3. Work hard, play hard. Make sure you give yourself room to enjoy the semester. We’re in college, which means there are plenty of things to do besides schoolwork. I don’t necessarily mean frat parties either. Columbia is a great city with a lot of things to offer, so make sure to take advantage of that. You won’t regret it.
4. $$$. Find a job! Life is so much better when you have a little extra cash in your wallet — trust me. Opportunities are everywhere, ranging from campus jobs to sales positions at the mall.
5. Don’t go overboard. Getting involved is great, but I find that when students start getting involved, they can get sucked into every opportunity they come across. Remember that you won’t be able to enjoy being on Tour Team if you’re too busy worried about Greek Week Steer Co. and MSA and your new job.
6. Make connections. Take the time to talk to your professor after class, even if it’s just to introduce yourself. Don’t hold back when meeting with those five girls for your group project. You’ll enjoy having friends in class and not being afraid to ask a question. Plus, people can really surprise you. For all you know, that professor or group member could hold the key to your next internship or job!
7. Actually talk to your advisor. I love my advisor. I know a lot of students that feel the exact opposite. Find someone in your college that you can talk to about your classes, schedule and future. When you have a second opinion, registering for classes becomes ten times easier.
8. TV time. Find a new series to watch on Netflix. Although it may sometimes cut into your productivity, relaxing and watching a new show is a perfect study break. I find that rewarding myself with an hour of “Grey’s Anatomy” is a good way to quickly get through my homework.
9. Appreciate. It’s hard to realize all of the awesome things your best friends do for you on the daily. Maybe it’s a ride to class, your favorite drink from Starbucks or letting you borrow her favorite shoes. Whatever it is, remember to thank them. Don’t just assume that your friends are required to do these things for you, because they’re not.
10. Do you. Most importantly, do whatever you want to do. If you find something that interests you, don’t be afraid to dive in headfirst. Don’t let advisors, friends or parents tell you what to do. As college students, we’re here to figure out what we want to do in life. If you don’t try and pursue the things that you enjoy, how are you supposed to know that you’ll actually hate web design but love copywriting?