Ah, the spring semester is upon us. Syllabus week is over, and we're now on to lectures with lots of notes.
If you're anything like me, it's tough to go back after spending a whole month at home, snuggled in bed, accomplishing close to nothing (oops, sorry mom!). Last semester I pulled a 3.6 GPA while taking a whopping 18 credit hours my very first semester of college.
I am extremely proud of myself for this accomplishment, but I wouldn't have been able to do it without fantastic advice from some family and friends. Now it's time to pass on my knowledge in a list of tips I was taught, and ones I discovered (usually the hard way) on my own.
So without further a-do, here are 7 ways to make this your best semester yet!
1. Make a copy of all of your syllabuses:
Stick them all in a folder in your desk or somewhere else for safe keeping. These pieces of paper are your lifelines! Usually everything from tests to project requirements/dates for a class are on the syllabus. Making an extra copy is super helpful especially if you lose things throughout the semester. A copy is great when you near the end of the semester and you have to crank out those final papers but have no clue when the due date is, or where you put the original syllabus.
2. Get a planner and use it:
Don't let that super cute Lilly planner your mom bought you go to waste. Bring the thing to class, and actually write down your homework in it. Even if you only have one thing due for a class, write it down! That way you're not worrying about if there's actually more work you should have done.
3. Get a 6 Subject Folder:
Use a pocket for each of your classes this semester. I found out that it is MUCH easier to use one folder than have 6 for each of my different classes. In the morning I would grab the wrong folder, and not have any of my materials for class that day, and well, professors are not very sympathetic about late homework.
Bonus: Get a 5 subject notebook so you never grab the wrong notebook again, all your notes are in one place!
4. Set aside a homework time:
Maybe it's every Tuesday evening from 5-7pm, or bright and early on a Sunday. Either way, pick a time that you are going to be free (mostly) every week. Having a designated day to sit down and crank out homework will help you tremendously. You'll get in a better habit of getting work done early, and not waiting until whenever you cant find anything else on Netflix in order to get it done.
5. Put distractions away while studying:
This one is probably the toughest to comply with. But if your mind is on Instagram, it's sooo not on your chemistry notes you need in order to pass tomorrow's test. Put your phone across the room, ask your roommate to take it with her until you finish, leave it in your backpack (or in your dorm) while you're in the library. Cutting out the distraction with make you focus, and you'll totally feel ready for the test the next day.
6. If you're struggling in a class get help early on:
Please don't make the mistake I made last semester in Chemistry. If you don't understand something (maybe one thing, maybe an entire topic) ask for help! Professors are usually super helpful and love when students ask questions. If you have a large class, maybe ask your TA, or find tutoring offered at your school. Not understanding something tends to have a snowball effect, and it's not long before you're studying for finals and only understand half of your notes.
7. Take time to relax:
Above all, don't stress yourself out. You will survive the semester! (even if its 18 credit hours and your psych lecture seems crazy) Reward yourself for all your hard work, take a night to just watch TV and hang out, or treat yourself to some baked goods from that cute cafe on campus. Either way, just make sure you leave a little time for yourself. Find out what works best for you, and have the best semester yet!
Cheers!
