Winter break has been over for a long time, my friends, but if you’re still not back in the swing of things, I totally get it. It’s the second month of the semester, syllabus week is long gone and you’re probably already gearing up for your first rounds of tests in the next couple weeks.
Everyone starts a semester by saying they’re going to do better and work harder, but if you struggle with knowing how to do get started on the right foot, we’ve got a few helpful tips for starting your semester on top and how to keep it there.
#1 Get yourself a planner.
This doesn’t mean go out and buy an overpriced Lilly planner, but it does mean start writing your stuff down - whether it be in your phone’s calendar app, Google Calendar or an old fashioned planner you can actually write in. Pencil in all your classes, which times you work and what meetings you have. Writing stuff down helps you remember better and will definitely make you stay organized if you stick with it. Since it is February, I hope you’re already doing this, but it is never too late to start. You may even be able to find planners on sale.
#2 Make sure you have all your supplies and books.
Some classes may use multiple books, so you know you won’t need some until later. But the earlier you get your books, the better chance you have at getting used rentals, which are much cheaper than new books. Save yourself some money and some headaches by doing it early even if you don’t need them just yet. And it’s always smart to have some extra notebooks, pens and blue books laying around for emergencies.
#3 Establish a sleep schedule and keep it.
Decide right now what time you want to try to go to bed each night this semester. Aiming to get enough sleep each night will help you actually get that sleep. And getting that sleep will help your productivity levels and ultimately help you in all aspects of your life in the long run. Get your work done, but get some sleep too.
#4 Make time to destress.
This goes back to having a planner. Make time for yourself. Self care is of the utmost importance, y’all. Without it, you can start to feel overworked, too stressed and downright unhappy. So, take some time each day or each week to find what works for you. Light some candles and watch Grey’s, read John Green’s new book or take a long walk around campus. You’ll know what works for you; just make sure to make time to do it.
#5 Clean up your room and keep it that way.
Clutter is a distraction. Get your living space in tip top shape to start the new semester. Having a clean room will provide you with an area you can really concentrate in, and you won’t have to worry about completely overhauling your space when it becomes too messy later on. You can even use this as an opportunity to redecorate like you’ve always wanted to.
Now, these are just five ways to keep you on track this semester. Use what works, kick to the curb what doesn’t. This is your semester; make it count.
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