Ahhh, back to school season, the time of the year when you realize your textbooks cost more than you car but are somehow still only a rental. Yes it’s that time again where college campuses all around the country are once again filled with the hustle and bustle of freshman sprinting to get to class and upperclassmen waking up 3 minutes before class starts. After such a long summer it might be hard to get back into the swing of things and get your groove going again. Thankfully I made up a list of typically bad advice that can actually help you ace those finals, and still be able to party with your friends.

1. Over-pack

Part of the packing experience and process is packing everything you want to bring and then going through and getting rid of all the things that you either don’t really need upon further review, or simply will not fit in your dorm.

2. Don’t Plan Your Room

Everyone wants that perfect setup in their room, the one that is functional, yet still looks fun and inviting. However, when you get to school you’re going to run into problems, the corners of the rooms have air vents that jut out, or there’s no plug where you want the TV. A lot can go wrong so it’s better to not be disappointed and just wait until you see the room.

3. Get Your Textbooks Last Minute

If I have learned anything is that It’s not to get your textbooks until you’ve already been in class. Some professors straight up don’t even use the books they say they’re going to, or maybe you have a friend in the class and you two can share. Anything that saves a hundred bucks is good by me.

4. Don’t set an alarm

Set two or three. We’ve all been there, it’s 7 AM monday morning, the last thing you want is to get out of bed, so you turn your alarm off and next thing you know you wake up and it’s 9:30 and you missed class. But if you set an alarm for 7:01 and 7:02, you’ll be sure to get up.

5. Skip Breakfast

Heavy meals right after you wake up can sometimes make you even sleepier than you were before! Instead try an apple, yogurt, and a glass of water! It’s a combo that is light enough to wake you up but filling enough to keep your day going strong.

6. Don’t Take Notes

The professor’s talking fast, you can barely understand them through the morning haze and their thick accent, you’re furiously scribbling down notes and next thing you know, you miss half of what they just said. Instead, relax, sit and listen and absorb what they are saying, then later go through the textbook and take notes off of what that and what you learned in class.

7. Go Out And Party

It’s important to cut loose every now and then. You are not a machine, you need time to destress, let go and have a good time. Trust me, the work will still be there tomorrow and you won’t get behind by having fun for a few hours.

8. Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Til Tomorrow?

Again, you are not a machine. The body need rest, so put the books down, go to bed and work on it tomorrow. A good night sleep is way more beneficial than falling asleep at your desk after reading 3 chapters.

9. Skip Class

Some days we just aren’t up to go to class, and that’s okay. Whether it’s the cold that went through your floor, or even a mental health day. You’re best performance comes when you are rested and healthy, so take care of yourself.