The beginning of the semester always brings a sense of excitement and newness. However, with all this excitement, it is easy to feel overwhelmed with the all the new syllabi and due dates. Or, if you're a freshman, you may feel like you have a ton of spare time to use up. Either way, this list is to help you kick off your semester right!

1. Plan, plan, plan

I highly recommend going through all of your syllabi and writing down important due dates ahead of time. This will help you a ton when you have a major paper coming up in a week, or a scheduled quiz. Spice it up using fun colors, tabs, and fonts so your planner becomes personalized, cute, and fun to look at!

2. Meet up with your advisor

The beginning of the semester is prime time to meet up with your advisor and ask any lingering questions or concerns.

3. Look at your transcript

This is something that can be so time consuming, especially during the middle of the semester. Take the time to figure out how long you will be in school, what classes to take next semester, and when classes are offered. You'll thank yourself for doing this well ahead of time!

4. Go to club meetings

At the beginning of the semester, we are sometimes overwhelmed with all the options for clubs. However, this is a great time to figure out what club you want to be a part of before you realize you've committed to too many extra-curriculars. Usually the first meeting is one of the most important and it will give you a general idea of what each club is about to narrow down your selection!

5. Drop classes

Sometimes it is easy to add too much to your workload at the beginning of the semester. Don't be afraid to drop classes that you know you can't handle. Doing this early will save you stress and work down the road!

6. Get organized

Organizing all your school supplies and papers will save you so much time in the long run. There is nothing more frustrating than being unorganized when you're stressed out or when you feel like you are crunched for time.

7. Go out with your friends

The beginning of the semester is the most time you will have, so have fun! There will be many times your friends are going out and you will have to stay home and study, so go out before you have papers, tests, and homework to do!

8. Check out studying abroad opportunities/internships

There is so much you can do to earn credit in college besides going to classes everyday. Take the time to check out what your school has to offer!

9. Set goals

Set goals for yourself! Attainable goals are healthy and motivating, especially on the days you don't feel like doing your homework. Plus, you'll feel great after obtaining those goals!

10. Start paying off your student loans

Even if it is just a little bit at a time, paying off your loans early will only help you in the future. You may feel overwhelmed by the amount, but paying it off little by little will only minimize your stress (and debt) in the long run.

11. Upgrade your résumé

Think about some things you can do to boost your résumé and personal brand. Volunteer, become an officer of a club, or apply for new jobs/internships that will make you stand out among others in your major.

12. Spiff up your space!

Redecorate, clean, or get crafty! Give your environment a refreshing upgrade to kickoff the new semester.