The start of a new school year can be so overwhelming. For freshman, you are dealing with a new school, new dorms, new roommates, new classes, new everything! Even for returning upperclassmen, the start of the fall semester can feel crushing. Here are five tips for beating the semester:
1. Make a schedule.
This may seem like the last thing you want to do, but seriously, it will help in so many ways. Plan out your class days, homework time, grocery trips, cooking, friend time, and even your glorious sleep-in days. Being organized will save you from forgetting the little things and save you a lot of hassle.
2. You are what you eat.
If this is your first time away from home, you may think you are finally free to eat whatever you want! But that’s false. You will be more productive and feel better when you don’t pump your body full of carbs and sugar on a daily basis. Limit your junk food to a minimum, or allow yourself one cheat day with a treat. Try to buy whole, healthy foods like fruit and veggies at the store. Granola and yogurt, eggs, or fruit are a healthy easy breakfast. Try a sandwich with lean meat, cheese, and lettuce for lunches. Salads will be your friend, and they are so easy to make! Buy lettuce (or a mix bag) and add your favorite toppings. Mine include cucumber, onion, feta cheese, and a light dressing.
3. Let’s talk relationships.
For a lot of us girls, we are looking to get our MRS degree while at college. BUT! Don’t waste your time looking around for every available guy to ask you out. Be patient and don’t try to force a relationship that will end in disaster. When the right guy comes around, you will know. Allow things to happen naturally. It’s hard to wait, but a real relationship is worth it.
4. Be a good friend.
While homework is important, make sure to balance your time with activities you like to do. Make time for friendships that will last past college. This includes being a good roommate.
5. The cursed 8am classes.
If you are so unlucky as to have a class at eight in the morning, plan ahead! Get to bed early the night before so that you are awake with enough time to prep for class. If you are not a morning person, allow yourself to look forward to sleeping in on your day off with no early classes. This will hopefully be enough motivation to get you out of bed for that early class.
Remember, you are strong enough to get through this. A new semester is overwhelming, but be smart and you’ll make it!
Image Credit: Cover, 1.