Photo: Lipstickalley.com
We’ve heard it a thousand times: A new semester, a new you. And it’s true! Here are some tips on how to make the upcoming semester your best one yet:
1. Make a stress list
For me, when something stressful pushes me over the edge, I run into the arms of my best friend— chocolate. Or Doritos. Or cookie dough… You get the idea. I know it’s a big no-no to eat your feelings, but when you get back a terrible test grade, get in a fender-bender, and get in a fight with your sister —all in one day— your voice of reason is bound to disappear. So instead of turning to food (or any other vice you may have) make a list of ten things that make you happy or calm you down. That way when you become upset and don’t know how to react, you can just look at the list and relieve your stress in a positive way. The following are some activities you may want to add to your own stress list: read a magazine, paint your nails, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, write in a journal, or call up a friend.
2. Quit something
What?!? You’re giving me permission to quit something? Yes. Most of us find it taboo to quit an extracurricular activity because “we’re giving up,” but truth be told, we’re not. We’re simply acknowledging that we no longer enjoy the extracurricular and would like pursue a different interest. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Why waste your time on something that “looks good on a resume” when it’s unbearably boring or stressful? It’s time to realize that this one activity will not make or break you— you will still get accepted to grad school or offered a job without it. So work up the courage to say no! I’ll bet you’ll be glad you did!
3. Reorganize your room
Yes, I admit it’s a bit cliché, but I truly believe that a new room can lead to a new perspective. So if you live in Kissam, paint your walls. (They’re knocking them down next year, so why not?) If you’re the messy type and live in a barn, get rid of some hay. In other words, it’s time to declutter. Throw out last semester’s notebooks and sell your old textbooks to make room for this semester’s materials. Also, free up some closet space with this old trick: Hang your clothes so that all of the hangers face the front. When you wear something, put it back on the hanger but turn the hanger the opposite way. After two months of this, give away whatever clothes hang on the forward-facing hangers. If you often study in your room, consider checking out www.fengshuitips.co.uk to learn some feng shui tips. You’ll get that concentration energy flowing in no time!
4. Start researching internships
It may seem too early to delve into internship research, but it’s not! By January, many companies/organizations have already posted internship applications, and it’s in your best interest to fill out these applications as soon as possible. Why? Some internships operate on a rolling basis, so you’ll increase your chances of landing the internship by sending in your CV and resume early! Another upside of starting your internship exploration early is that you’ll have your hands free later in the semester, right around the time those final projects are due! The following are some helpful internship sites you may want to check out: www.summerinternships.com, www.findtherightjob.com/Internships, www.internships.com, www.experience.com
5. Make time to exercise
Yes, I know that exercise is important, blah, blah, blah… But it seems that school is always getting in the way! Whether, I have a paper due or want to go see a movie with my friends, I tend to put these activities first and blow off the treadmill. After all, skipping one day can’t hurt, right? Wrong. Because for me, a day usually turns into a week. Yikes. I’ve found that building in exercise to my schedule— literally—is what helps me most. At the beginning of each week, block out a period of time that you’re free of classes or meetings and designate it as workout time. Writing it down will really help you commit! If you find that this tactic isn’t working however, make a pact with a friend to work out everyday. This way, you can hold each other accountable.
6. Find a new study space
Yes, I realize it’s an odd suggestion, but hear me out: In order to succeed academically, it’s important to test out different study spaces because who knows which one will work best for you? A quiet environment like Central Library? A setting with some background noise like Rand? If you never try it out you’ll never know! So make it a goal of yours to scope out the campus for a new study spot this semester. You’ll be thankful for a backup study space when finals week rolls around and your favorite chair in Starbucks is taken!
7. Ask for help
It’s important that at the start of the semester you know what’s going on in the class… So don’t be afraid to ask questions about the syllabus or a quiz question you got wrong! It may seem intimidating to talk to your professor one-on-one, but wouldn’t you rather do this than fall behind before you’ve practically even started? That’s what I thought! By asking your professor a question, you’re not only showing a sign of maturity, but also, you’re letting the professor put a face to your name. And it’s always good to be on a first name basis with a professor!
8. Reconnect with friends
It may be easy to get caught up in the world of academics when the semester first begins, but don’t forget to catch up with your friends. Why don’t you schedule a coffee date at Starbucks and share your crazy winter break escapades? Or better yet, start tossing around ideas for Spring break! (Cabo, anyone?) Just remember this: Friends are as much of the college experience as academics, so make sure you stay in touch!