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5 Ways to Start Your Semester Off Stress-Free

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Tampa chapter.

The beginning of each semester is always the most hectic time of the year. Between waiting in line for the elevator on move in day to trying to visit all of your friends on campus, staying calm is a difficult task. Here are 5 easy ways to remain stress-free at this busy time in your life. 

Order textbooks ahead of time

We all know how annoying trying to order textbooks during the first week of classes can be, especially when there’s that one professor who thinks it’s a great idea to assign homework on the first day. To alleviate this burden, try ordering your textbooks ahead of time. Websites such as Chegg.com, Amazon.com, Alibris.com, and Knetbooks.com have great deals on textbooks and are much cheaper than purchasing from the school bookstore. The earlier you order, the cheaper you can get your books, as prices begin to increase when the semester approaches and textbooks are in high demand. 

Secure a part-time job or internship

If you plan on having any type of a social life this semester, you’ll need money to fund it. Start applying for part-time jobs in the area using Indeed.com, HireUT, or even Craigslist.org, if you don’t mind sorting through some creepy job posts to find legit ones. A lot of places are actively hiring right now since some of their current employees are leaving to go back to school. Also try applying for internships related to your major. Whether you’re getting paid for it or only getting school credits, any internship will look great on your résumé. 

Order and ship your dorm supplies

One of my favorite things about the start of every school year is decorating my new room. Ordering your comforter set, posters, decorations, etc. ahead of time and getting them shipped makes the move-in process so much easier. You can also find good deals and coupon codes if you order online. So while your friends are at Wal-Mart and Target waiting in those long chaotic lines, you can be at the beach relaxing before classes start the next day.

Plan out your schedule

My inner OCD makes me map out my schedule hour by hour for at least the first week of school, until I get in the swing of things. Make a schedule for yourself including class times, work, organization meetings, and then leave some room for grabbing food and nap times. (Yes, I’m a senior in college who still takes naps).

Make the most out of the rest of your summer

Last but not least, enjoy your summer! Plan as many road trips and beach trips that you can and go to as many water parks and concerts in the next few weeks. Seeing as though the next time you’ll probably see your parents is during Thanksgiving Break, enjoy some quality time with them too. 

 

Photo Sources:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XOu-TlYT5Qc/TyK858CmOeI/AAAAAAAAAu4/l17DCWs6TIc/s1600/tumblr_lyg5afvrqn1r6fh4oo1_500+copy.jpghttp://www.debrecensun.hu/media/2012/05/25-nearly-50-000-unemployed-in-the-county/jobseeker.jpg

http://www.dormco.com/v/vspfiles/photos/TOP44-ESSENTIALS-2.jpg

http://www.pmslweb.com/the-blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/17-my-time-schedule-graph.png

http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m6z2vaJPiB1qlh6gvo1_500.jpg

http://blogs.kqed.org/mindshift/files/2012/09/1375685165_0026af5223_z-620×389.jpg  

Julia Egbe-Monthe is a Senior at University of Tampa majoring in Marketing and minoring in Criminology. Her love for fashion, pop culture, and all things UT is what inspired her to join Her Campus. She currently serves as an Editor for her HC chapter. Follow her on IG: @yeahju