The second semester can be intimidating. The mixed emotions caused by the change from the excitement of Christmas break to the stress of the January assignment period can leave you feeling exhausted. Nothing seems more appealing than a week (or a month) on holiday but the reality of student life means that we have to find the fresh motivation to enter the new semester with the same determination and engagement that we began the year with.
There are a few simple, affordable, things you can do to re-energise yourself and help you to find the motivation to tackle your new modules successfully:
1. Buy New Stationary
It really is the simple things that can help you feel excited about the new semester. Your student loan provides the perfect opportunity to treat yourself, so instead of buying yourself a takeaway why not spend the money on something more closely linked to your studies. A pretty new notebook and a fresh bundle of your favourite writing pens can be the perfect way to get you motivated again. After all, nothing screams ‘organised student’ like a matching set of stationery.
2. Write A List of Your Goals
While it can seem tedious to write down your goals it can be refreshing to put your thoughts on paper. Your goals might range from meeting deadlines and achieving a first in an essay to socialising more (or in some cases, less), and if you don’t have any definitive goals in mind this becomes a great opportunity to discover what you really want to get from this semester. Don’t forget you can also look back at it anytime you feel like you are lacking motivation.
3. Get to Know Your New Routine
With a new semester comes a new timetable and that means adjusting to a different routine which can be a challenge. Along with lectures we often have other responsibilities such as work, gym and socialising, and with lectures often being the most important the rest has to be planned around our time in university. Try writing down your timetable to give yourself a rough idea of when you will be free and then create a plan for when you will complete your other tasks.
4. Complete a Health Kick
We all think January is the best time to join the gym and start healthy eating but a new semester can be the same fresh start we feel in the new year. The gym can be one of the best places to have some time alone and is the perfect escape from the worries of university, while having a healthier diet can help you feel better and less tired. You don’t have to go all out on a fitness kick, but a few simple changes will help you feel rejuvenated for the new term.