New clothes, fun bedding, chic laundry bag, and….school supplies? It’s easy to get caught up in the whole “leaving the nest” experience, so it’s also easy to understand why some of us forget why we are actually going to college. We’ve mastered our high school classes and are continuing our education to become successful women. Now we are buying cool accessories for our dorm rooms and the last thing we want to do is buy boring notebook paper or erasers. So, here are five tips to keep your mind on track for your Freshman year:
1) Find your Inspiration.
Whether it be through a song, a line from a poem, or a quote from a movie, discover a source of
media that will keep you motivated if you get discouraged or distracted. Struggling with a paper that’s due in the next two hours? Listen to Beyonce’s revival of “Run the World/Girls” to boost your morale and help you get it done. Not only does it have a catchy rythymn, but the lyrics, “raise a glass to the college grad!” will really get your determination going.
2) Keep a journal.
It might sound childish, but writing down all your thoughts and emotions will clear your head and make room for better concentration. You can even create a virtual journal and type it out on your computer. It doesn’t have to be shared. Sometimes you might feel homesick or stressed out about and putting your feelings into words will help you let it out and understand what is really bothering you.
3) Talk to your friends.
I don’t mean gossip about the cute guy you keep seeing around campus. Let your friends know when you need to be alone to study or get some sleep. This way they can’t tempt you away from your work and you don’t have to worry about them showing up unannounced. You can also ask them what study habits and routines work best for them, friends are a great way to get information such as what research sites are most helpful and what the best late night study foods are!
4) Exercise.
If your mind is feeling sluggish, the best remedy is to get your body moving. Sometimes all the research and reading can be overwhelming and your brain just needs a break. Hit the gym or just walk around campus, whatever gets your heart pumping and oxygen flowing to your head.
5) Treat yourself.
Set a mini goal for the day or once a week that can easily be achieved, like reading a chapter of your anatomy textbook or writing a page for your English essay. Then create a small reward for yourself for completing your goal. Getting work done is easier if you have something to look forward to when it’s done. Tell your boyfriend you’ll call him after you read that chapter, or once you’ve spent a couple hours researching at the library head out and buy a coffee and cookie.