The new year is supposed to represent a promising, new beginning, and often as humans we attempt to better ourselves during this time. Pairing that with a new semester, some are looking for an entire lifestyle change. The key to having a successful semester is in the preparation:
If possible, purchase books and other materials as soon as possible
It can be tempting to wait or put off book purchases as long as possible to make sure that the professor actually uses the textbook, but all this really does is set you back. When you are prepared, you can get things done on time, and even early.
Utilize that break energy
Usually, students have more energy after a break or at the beginning of the semester than at the end of the semester – —take advantage of this. Try to get as far ahead as possible in the first few weeks so that when that energy starts to burn out, you will still be ahead, or at the least caught up.
Do not miss class for as long as possible
Do not miss syllabus day and do not skip class until you absolutely have to. Once that first class is missed, absences can become a slippery slope. By waiting to miss until there is truly no other option, a standard is set to mentally live up to.
Get in the habit of using a planner
It may seem silly or unnecessary, but the practice of using a planner will improve overall organization and allow one to make time for all assignments. You may think that you can keep information about all assignments and timelines in your head, but you just can’t. At some point you will slip and forget or simply not give yourself the time that you needed. Even simple phone reminders can be beneficial in keeping you on track.
In fact, build all your habits.
This could look like waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, eating three meals a day, or having an hour of non-screen time before bed. No matter the specifics, healthy routines can often be the key to success.
Do not procrastinate
Procrastination will come back to haunt later in the year, so just don’t do it. Although it can prove much harder than it sounds, any effort to fight procrastination is positive. Try to give as much advance time as possible for assignments, or at the very least look at them before the day they are due.
Bring snacks
This goes hand in hand with getting enough sleep and drinking water, but it needs to be said. Hunger can breed unmotivation and tuning out, so keep yourself well taken care of.
Communicate with your professors
While you shouldn’t be bothering your professor with questions easily answered on the syllabus, it is important to ask for help when it’s needed. It can be intimidating to reach out, remember to be professional and check the syllabus for any emailing nit-picks the professor may have.
Set realistic expectations
You cannot write a 10 page paper in a day, and even if you can, you really shouldn’t. Pace yourself—give yourself the time that you need and don’t plan for superhuman abilities. Most of all, be kind to yourself, not one student is perfect so don’t try to be, all you can do is your best. Strive for greatness, but be forgiving as well.
