The cold wind hits your face as you just step into a puddle, completely soaking your shoes, and now you have to go to class with wet socks. Welcome to winter quarter at UC Davis. Coming back from break, where you were able to sleep as late as you want and not worry about the next thing that is due, is a hard transition, so I’m here to offer some tips that I personally use to get back into the quarter mindset.
Tip #1: Mark Your Calendars!
It is crucial to note all the important dates on your calendar in order to have a successful quarter. An organized calendar can save you a lot of last-minute stress and confusion about when things are due. Make sure to mark down all your class assignments to get those A’s, any club meetings you plan on attending, and fun events you have! By noting everything down, you are able to plan around or for the event or due date you have coming up. It is also helpful to note things on your calendar when new plans or assignments are made. It keeps you up to date and not having to worry about missing anything. Another thing I found helpful is making a to-do list at the end of every day for the next day. I jot down all the things I have to get done, and it reminds me and keeps me accountable. Also, crossing things off after you have done it is a satisfying feeling.
Tip #2: Ease back into it
Going from sleeping late, relaxing, and not having the fear that you have something due to long days of class, club events, and hours of studying is a hard shift. It’s important to allow yourself to slowly ease back into your work schedule. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your energy to jump right back into work isn’t either. Allow yourself to get comfortable with everything and build stamina from that. You were just sleeping for over eight hours a couple of days ago, don’t be so hard on yourself. Remember that your well-being and health should always come first!
Reflect on last quarter
Remember that time when you were pulling an all-nighter, thinking to yourself, “I should’ve started studying earlier.” Well, this quarter is for you to learn from that. Make sure to prioritize your health and get a good night’s sleep. Plan and make a study schedule so you can plan out your studying. Any bad habits that you felt slowed you down last quarter, drop them. I know it’s easier said than done, but just know that it will help you become a better student and be your best self. Maybe you felt you could be sleeping at an earlier time last quarter, so we’ll try to fix your sleep cycles for this quarter. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Those are some tips I have for my peers that I use to help me get back into the quarter. Here’s to another quarter, Aggies! Let’s do great things!