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The Emotional Stages of Starting a New Semester as told by New Girl

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

New semester, new promises, right?! New semesters mean new classes, new class friends, new memories, and new lessons learned. Sometimes (most times…) it takes us collegiettes a little extra time to get back into the swing of thing — which feels a lot like an emotional roller coaster. Here’s some common emotions we’ve all experienced at the beginning of any semester.

1. Excitement

After a long three weeks away from your college town, just the thought of coming back and reuniting with your city and friends is enough to fill you with joy.2. Sadness

But going back to school means leaving behind your family, friends, and hometown that you had such a good time with over break. At least you know they will always be there when you return. 3. Nervousness

Who isn’t scared about starting anew? Sure, you’re familiar with campus, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get lost going into a totally new building for a new class! The nervousness also kicks in when you realize you might not recognize a single face in any of your new lectures…

4. Denial

Break always goes by so fast, and you swear you were just studying endlessly for finals. Do we really have to start learning again so soon?!5. Annoyance

So, you’re really telling me that I have to buy the 10th edition when it’s 100 dollars more than the 9th edition for a couple of small changes? Sometimes life is really unfair. 6. Stressed

Even though winter break is short and sweet, it seems like we all forget how to study and open a book. Also, syllabus week is supposed to be a breeze, not “breeze through the first three chapters of your textbook by next lecture!” 7. Relief

The first week goes by just about as quick as it comes. Thankfully, you survived and actually don’t have that much homework.8. Contentment

Finally, you will get your groove back and be comfortable with your classes and schedule. There’s no better feeling than knowing you’re going to have a great semesterDon’t forget to take a couple deep breaths and relax. The beginning is always the easiest! It’ll be finals season before you know it. Happy studying!

Hi, I'm Abby Coppens, a junior at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. I'm pursuing a degree in Economics and Retail. In my free time, I really enjoying hanging out with my friends and family, doing homework, biking, and reading. I'm the biggest friends fanatic on the planet. Go Badgers!
Madison is a senior at the University of Wisconsin pursuing a major in English Literature with minors in Entrepreneurship and Digital Media Studies. Post college, Madison plans to complete her dreams of being the next Anna Wintour. In her free time, Madison enjoys listening to Eric Hutchinson, eating dark chocolate, and FaceTiming her puppies back home. When she isn't online shopping, or watching YouTube bloggers (ie Fleur DeForce), Madison loves exploring the vast UW Campus and all it has to offer! She is very excited to take this next step in her collegiette career as Campus Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief for HC Wisco. On Wisconsin!