Let's get real. School is hard.
Classes are long. People are annoying. Professors seem to never stop talking. You have homework after the first day. College isn't for the faint of heart.
Here are some of my tips and tricks to making it through the first week of school and getting you on the right track to have a successful school year.
1. Get a planner.
The sooner you get a planner, the quicker your life will fall into place. You'll no longer be scrambling to remember deadlines and due dates or have to spend hours looking for that one piece of notebook paper you wrote down your assignments on (the one that you later remember you threw away). Using a planner on the first day of class sets you on the right track to getting into the habit of using it every single day. My planner is jam packed with class schedules, dates for sorority functions, and my work hours among many other things. I promise you, getting a planner will save your life on multiple occasions.
2. Start studying early.
This is probably my most favorite tip I could share with anyone. If your professor puts the power point or notes online, take the time to read and take notes on it beforehand. That way, when you're in class, you can take notes on what the professor is saying rather than what is on the board. Most of the time, the professor will end up saying something super important that isn't in the notes, but you'll be too busy writing down stuff from the power point to notice.
3. Make sure to have some fun.
The first week of class is by far the most laid back week of the school year. You have homework, but not in every class (and it's definitely not all due on the same day like it will be later on in the semester.) Most clubs and organizations haven't started having regular meetings and functions yet. The first week of classes is the perfect time to catch up with old friends or even meet new ones. Take the time to go out and get dinner, go see a movie, or even go hiking. This will be the best time to do so.
4. SLEEP!
Sleep is the most important thing you need and also the thing that most college students lack. With classes, homework, jobs, and clubs, we have barely any time to grab food during the day. Let alone completely stop moving for 8 hours. But let me tell you, sleep is absolutely needed if you want to be successful in college. Your brain can't function if you don't sleep. If you're cramming for a big test, it's better to stop and at least nap for a couple of hours than to pull an all nighter. You won't comprehend anything if your brain is lacking sleep. Long story short, GET SOME SLEEP!
There you have it guys and gals. Those are my top 4 tips for surviving the first week of classes. You guys got this. Don't stress too much. Get organized. Remember to sleep. You'll do great. Have a wonderful semester!