Winter break is over and the notifications of class syllabi are being posted. The fun as we knew it is just about over and it’s time to get that motivation back. Coming back from holiday eating and sleeping in all day isn’t the easiest task and adding classes on top of that makes things even better (said no one ever). So starting the semester on a good note, why not pick up some new habits and some survival tips? Get the ball rolling and set new standards for this semester. Even though being a college student can get hectic, don’t delete your social life from the equation. Making time for fun in the midst of work is essential to having a good semester. So instead of speaking all these new habits into existence, lets put these words to action.
Get Organized Ahead of Time
For some students being organized is a breeze, but that doesn’t mean we all got it down packed. Some of us are still only using our planners for the first two weeks of the semester and relying on our memory for the rest of the year.
But to avoid forgetting the important dates find a reminder tool that works for you. Whether it be your Google calendar or an Expo marker calendar you can put on your wall. It just helps to have something to refer to when our minds fails us. Make it a habit of taking down important due dates and events, that way you’re on top of everything.
Get your time management together sis! We are all victims of procrastination and putting more time into sleeping all day or going out with friends. Setting aside three to four hours a day for classwork can keep you on top of your work and gives you the right amount of time for fun. (During the week of course, you deserve a break on the weekend honey.)
Find ways to schedule a certain amount of classwork for each day. So monday work on assignments for 2 classes. Tuesday, another two and so forth. Keeping in mind due dates of course.What may seem like a lot is really an easy routine once you get the hang of it.
Start off Strong, Sett the Bar High
Now I know what you’re thinking… easier to say than do. Well, if you don’t say it who will?
Starting off the semester with the mentality that you can manage the workload to the best of your ability is starting off strong! The first step to setting the bar high is obtaining a determined mindset. After that, everything else is a breeze.
Most professors provide students with assignments for the semester ahead of time so students can work on it at anytime. Even simple reading assignments you can get done in your free time. If you really think about it, you would be saving yourself time in the long run. While everyone else is just starting the assignment you could have it already completed. Now how’s that for studious?
When it comes to papers and writing assignments, work on it in sections and break it up. If you know you have a ten page paper due in two weeks work on writing a page a day. Then spend the rest of the days revising and asking your professor questions. It’s all about planning and giving yourself time.Start the semester off strong and get things done, you’ll thank yourself later.
Get Involved If You’re Not Already
Okay so far you’ve organized your entire life, completed work ahead of time, but what else can you possibly have up your sleeve in dominating this spring semester? Head to an organization fair and get involved of course!
10/10 your campus is offering an organization that you can find some type of entertainment in or even be involved in something dedicated to your major. You’ll get experience in your field, meet some new friends, and have something to do during your free time. It’s a 3 for 1!
We all know college life can get hectic, but we can always set aside an hour or two a week to put our time into something unwinding.
That one day a week you get out of class early you could be attending an event hosted by your favorite organization. Even if you don’t want to dedicate your life to being a general body member, try stopping by events offered to you by your college campus.
Who knows — maybe joining an org and getting involved can make your college days 10 times better!
Don’t Let Your Social Life Die
Taking on all these responsibilities and having less time dedicated to fun can put a damper on our social life… but only if we let it. Time management is the major key.
Even though your weekdays are a bit compact and work filled, doesn’t mean your weekends have to be a drag. Schedule a day on the weekend to hang out with friends or family — that little bit of time to escape the harsh reality is necessary. You can even have study nights with the crew! Homework can be so much more fun when you and your friends are struggling together.Those days or nights of peace really can be a stress reliever.
Make Self-Care a Routine
As easy as it may sound for most, others tend to dismiss self-care because they prioritize work over their mental, physical and emotional health. A moment to sit and appreciate our “me time,” is essential to our weekly routine.
Place some essential oils in your shower and have a nice hot shower, get an exfoliating scrub, and treat your body. Wash your hair and do a deep conditioning treatment. Read an inspirational novel with soothing music in the background.
Even sitting with a mask on will drinking your favorite tea is the little bit of self-care we need to get through the week. You just need to find what works for you.
We all know college life can be stressful and when we get that time off it can be a bit difficult to get back into the swing of things. It just takes a good amount of determination and planning to make our Spring Semester one for the books.