With move-in day just weeks away for many students and summer coming to an inevitable close, a new semester is just around the corner. Even though starting a new school year is an exciting time, you should take time before school starts to get ready for it. Here're some helpful tips before you get back on campus.
1. Get all necessary supplies
You’ll save so much time and money once you get to school by doing all your shopping before you leave! If you forget something, you can easily run to a local supermarket on your move-in day. Just keep in mind that the Walmart 10 minutes from campus will not only be super busy but also probably have increased prices because they know that students moving in will pay the higher prices for the items they need.
2. Fix your sleep schedule
Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later for this one. If you don’t have an internship or job that requires you to be up early regularly, chances are you sleep in pretty late (I know I did last summer!). However, chances also are that you have a few, dreaded early classes and you’re going to be dead tired if your biological clock is used to not going to bed until 4am every day. Instead, start fixing your sleeping habits now so that by the time your classes start, you’re able to fall asleep at a decent time and be wide awake for that 9am class.
3. Go on a short trip
Whether it’s touring a city you live by (Chicago, anyone?), going camping for a few days or road tripping with family/friends, a little getaway is important. Chances are, once the semester starts, you won’t be able to go on a trip again until Thanksgiving or Winter Break. Even though being on campus is great, if you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get stir-crazy and want to get away for a little. Taking a quick trip towards the end of summer not only allows you to get out of your hometown for a little, but also gives you a nice, fresh breath of air before spending a full semester at school. Also, if you’re with your friends or family, it’s bonus time with them that you don’t get at school!
4. Enjoy time with your family
This may seem like a no-brainer, but between summer jobs and hanging out with your friends, your family can sometimes become not a priority. They only see you a few months a year so make sure to spend time with them before you leave for a semester! Also, enjoy those family dinners of home-cooked meals before you go back to surviving off of Easy Mac and Ramen.
5. Relax!
Take some time to just chill and be lazy! Chances are that as soon as classes start, you’re going to be swamped with homework and extracurricular activities. Take a day or two in the coming weeks to lounge around in your pajamas all day watching Netflix. Not only will this help de-stress you about classes coming up but you’ll also get some much needed rest that you probably won’t get during the school year.