Whether you were basking in the sunlight of a beautiful beach vacation, learning the ropes during an amazing internship or job, or toiling away during summer school classes, nothing can truly prepare you for the end of summer vacation. The free time, the lack of stress, and the excitement never last long enough. It is my humble opinion that the few months we receive away from school fly by faster than all the crazy cars in West Campus. As the days began to blur together this summer, you may have forgotten all about that faraway land called “school.” Here are some tips to get you back into the swing of things and have a fantastic semester back, even though you may have forgotten how to write your name!
1. Organize. Organize. Organize.
All those pretty planners and calendars should be your motivation to get it together this semester! Even though syllabus week is by far the most relaxing week of the school year, all those due dates will sneak up on you…and FAST. Don’t be caught scrambling at the last minute! Put everything, including social and extracurricular commitments, in a calendar (where you will actually see them) and get to work! Be that girl who just seems to be on top of everything. Because you’ll be so organized, you’re bound to be less stressed. That twenty page research paper won’t seem so daunting when you know exactly when it’s due!
2. Get to know your professors.
They can seem intimidating (most of them have PhDs after all), but they’re there to help! Go to office hours when you’re feeling overwhelmed. You can’t be afraid to ask for help. More often than not, they’re happy to answer your questions! When it comes time to get your letters of recommendation, you want to be the student they remember for all the right reasons. Professors are definitely people too and want you to get to know them. Go ahead and put on that bright smile and introduce yourself!
3. All work and no play…
…makes you a dull girl and none of us are dull girls! People don’t say that college is the best time of your life for no reason. Austin is an AMAZING city to go to school in because there’s always something to do. From tailgates to adventures at Hamilton Pool, the possibilities are endless. You’re at college to get an education, not just academically, but socially. Make connections, don’t neglect your friends, and let your hair down once in a while! The memories you make here will be something you will cherish for the rest of your life. Grades are obviously important, but you can’t spend your entire collegiate career with your head buried in books. Get involved! Hannah Montana said it best, “life’s what you make it, so let’s make it rock.”
4. Catch some zzzzz.
Beauty sleep is no joke, ladies. After months of sleeping in, now you have to adhere to a schedule again and wake up on time for class. Though the time may come when procrastination forces us into dreaded all-nighter territory, don’t make that a regular thing. (See item 1) Try and get as much sleep as you can. There’s no way to get anything done well when you’re groggy. Make your bed your friend! Plus, you’ll always look fabulous and incredibly fresh looking if you get a good night’s rest!
Have a great semester back at the forty acres!