As spring semester is starting slowly, you may not be adjusted to school life completely. Perhaps you are still recovering from the time off from school during winter break, slowly panicking realizing that the semester started quicker than you expected, having first day of a new semester jitters (like myself), or impatiently waiting for summer break. Might as well just skip over spring semester into spring break, right? Well, I am here to encourage you that you can make this spring semester your BEST semester yet. How so?

1. Do not, do not, do not, do not PROCRASTINATE.

I am sure a lot of us hear this by now and we are probably getting tired of hearing the same thing that seems to be inevitable. WE CAN AVOID PROCRASTINATION! Having time management + planning accordingly can really make a HUGE difference. Both time management and planning out my schedule are two of the things that I plan on working at during this new year. If I can do, so can you! You will feel so much better turning in assignments earlier and not having to worry about a million things at once, when that can typically be avoided. Trust me, it’s a lot easier said than done but it is possible.

2. Set aside time for “personal time.”

If you take the extra time out of each day to take care of yourself, I guarantee you will feel 10x better. Even if it’s just for an hour to have personal time, watching some TV, etc. It is really important to focus on yourself, and not let your health slip away due to the stress from school.

3. Go to class.

I know with it still being cold outside and still trying to get adjusted to waking up early for school, going to class may not seem like a priority at that exact moment. However, I guarantee that it is important to attend class if you can. Try to avoid missing class altogether if you can, unless for specific reasons. I think that you will feel a lot better going to class as opposed to stressing out wondering what was taught/what you missed during the instructional time.

4. Utilize study spaces and the library.

Every time, I go to my room, I feel like there are a million distractions. There is my cell phone, my personal belongings, my TV, etc. Typically, I am focused on those things as opposed to getting my school work done. OH, and there is a bed in my room, which makes me more prone to want to take a nap as opposed to getting my things done. Utilizing study spaces and the library is really important. Every time I make myself go to these spaces, I find that I feel more motivated to finish my work so I can get to my TV, bed, cellphone, etc. And it makes me feel better knowing that I am diligently working instead of having distractions.

5. DO NOT CRAM MATERIAL BEFORE EXAMS!

This is something that I MUST work on this semester. Last semester, with it being my very first semester in college, I would find myself cramming in all of the material a couple of days or even the night before my exams. This method to studying is not entirely effective, because details are not studied and they are forgotten. My goal is to start studying every day and going over the material that way when I have an exam, I can briefly look over everything and focus on the material that I feel as if I am not as strong in. I think that studying this method would be much more effective in the long-run.

6. Take care of yourself.

I know it may seem like pulling an all-nighter to study for a class is the best option, but your health should be a number one priority. Getting the right amount of sleep, eating healthy, etc. is very important to taking care of yourself and your ultimate well-being. In order to achieve success academically, you must first take care of yourself. YOU are your responsibility + that should be a number one priority.

7. Go to the gym.

This is another one of my goals for the new year. I need to start working out more and going to the gym regularly. Again, this is a lot easier said than done but it can be done! I think that going to the gym is important for many reasons, but especially, for releasing some stress. Whenever I do work-out or go to the gym, I feel so much better and while I am there I do not feel as stressed.

8. Go to SI sessions, tutoring, office hours, open lab, etc.

I did not really utilize these resources last semester, but I think it is really important to attend these type of things provided by the school in order to excel academically. Even if you are not struggling with the material, I do not think that it would hurt to attend these sessions because it could only benefit you. Also, I think that this helps with a positive open-communication and getting to know your professor personally.

9. Go to school functions + get involved.

Of course, school should not be all academics and not fun. I encourage everyone to attend school functions + get more involved on campus with their school. These are the memories that are really going to count. Currently, I am involved with some organizations on campus, but I plan on getting more involved and attending more school functions. I think it is important for many reasons + it is a great opportunity to meet some new people.

10. Spend time with family + friends.

Time is so precious and valuable. Not a second should be wasted. Focus on spending time with family + friends, too. They are the people and memories that count! + you wouldn’t be you without them! These memories will last a lifetime + so important.

As spring semester is starting, try to remember the 10 things to ensure that this semester is your BEST semester yet. Luckily, spring break + summer break are in the near future. Good luck to everyone this semester + I encourage you to make this your BEST semester yet! Have faith in God + yourself. You can do it!