In the real world, New Year’s Eve is when people start over, but for us college students the New Year starts the first day of fall semester. We step on campus, bright-eyed, full of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead.

The first week of classes is always exciting. Seeing all of your friends, getting the feel of new professors and watching the campus come alive again seems to bring a special sense nostalgia and newness at the same time. And, the first week is a breeze -- minimal homework and back to school get-togethers flood our itinerary pages. It’s the second week, after the first weekend, that the headache and drowsiness start to sink in. 

Unfortunately, you can’t sleep off a back to school hangover, and while greasy food always sounds good, it won’t help much either. Here are four ways to beat the headache and get back into the game we call school. 

1. Make a fall playlist. Who doesn’t have pep in their step when their favorite song comes on? It’s an automatic go-to for good vibes. You'l look forward to your walks on campus, and happier when you walk into your next class.     

2. Save the dates. Fall means football games, barbecues and tailgates. Put these dates in your day planner! They will serve as a constant reminder that college is actually pretty great and looking at them will keep you on your toes and get you hyped.    

3. Talk to your professors. Everyone has heard the cliché advice, “go talk to your professor because it will make all the difference.” It’s 100 percent true! Get to know your professors and make the most of each class. By developing a relationship, you will be more engaged in what’s going on. It’s a grade changer, come finals week.   

4. Live in the moment. Be vulnerable and ready for the school year to change your life. You never know what doors will open and what lies ahead. Expect great things to happen and they will!