After a blissful winter break, as well as the ringing in of a new year, it can be especially difficult to get back into the swing of campus life. While this unfortunately means we as students are going to classes, reading textbooks, and writing tests and assignments, it also means that we have the opportunity to set new habits that are conducive to success, both in our academic and personal lives. Read on to hear my top five habits to set yourself up for success this semester!
- Pack Your Lunch The Night Before
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I am forever a proponent of packing a lunch. Not only is buying lunch on campus pricey, but the food is often subpar and unhealthy. That being said, it’s sometimes difficult to get organized in the morning. This is why I recommend making/packing your lunch the night before. This may seem as though it is a small, meaningless addition to your routine, but not only is it time-saving, it also ensures that you are fueling your body with at the very least semi-healthy, affordable foods.
- Make A Schedule
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At the beginning of the semester, I suggest sitting down with some sort of planner–I like to use Google Calendar–and entering in all of your assignments, exams, and commitments for the months ahead. This will help you to keep track of when work needs to be done, but will help you to keep on top of potentially stressful stretches as well.
- Find A Study Spot And Stick To It!
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Personally, I find that I work best in spaces that my brain associates with work. When I sit down at a desk–be in the one I have set up in my living room or one in Rutherford Library–I know it is time for me to get to work. Not only is this spatial association useful in a productive sense, but in a personal one as well, as it designates certain spaces for strictly relaxation and enjoyment, and others for enjoyment.
- Get On A Somewhat Regular Sleep Schedule
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I know, I know. Sleep is sometimes hard to come by as a student. Try as we might, it might be very difficult to be in bed as early as we would like. As such, I recommend setting a time which you will not study/work past unless it is absolutely necessary. For me, this is about 10:30 pm. Not only does this give me enough time to get some work done, but it also allows me to get some much-needed rest.
- Know When To Utilize Self Care
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We cannot possibly expect to do well if we don’t take time for ourselves once in awhile. Whether it’s reading a non-academic book before bed, taking a weekly yoga class, or running yourself a relaxing bath, it is essential to take care of yourself in addition to your studies. Allowing yourself to become run down does not–and should not–be a part of student life. You simply cannot do your best if you are not at your best.