The start of a new semester is an opportune time to set yourself up for a great experience. Here are my tips to do so.

It can be easy to get caught up in all the things happening around you, especially when it's concerning a friend or yourself. However, if it starts taking up too much of your time and energy, it may be time to reassess your involvement. The best way to handle a situation is to address it head on. That way, drama is less likely to occur. If the problem persists, remove yourself from it as best as you can. You have much more important things to worry about!

Reconsider your responsibilities.

Do you have an overflowing to-do list that keeps growing? Consider lessening your load. As much as you need or want to participate in something, your happiness and well-being should always take precedence. Talk to someone in charge, like a teacher or advisor, if you’re concerned and unsure about how to do so. Your concerns are important to them and they will be willing to help you out!

Do your squats and eat your veggies (and chocolate).

It’s hard to feel tip-top when you may be depriving yourself. As busy as your schedule may be, it’s crucial to make your health a priority. When you do so, you’ll feel more energized and will be less likely to get sick, making it easier to sit through that boring (but important) lecture. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore when you you make it fun; ask a friend to join you or try a new activity. Similarly, it’s easy to get burnt out when you eat nothing but tasteless foods everyday. Mix it up! And most importantly, don’t forget to treat yourself once in a while! Eating is unenjoyable when you cut out your favorite foods completely!

Think about it!

When was the last time you really thought about why it is you're doing what you're doing? It's probably been a while since you've thought about everything objectively. By doing this kind of thinking, you'll have an easier time figuring out what kind of choices to make and what will be the most fulfilling to you.

In addition, setting small and realistic goals for everything you do will help overwhelming feats seem — and be — much more achievable! This is especially helpful for classes. Think, "What do I need to do day after day to get the 'A' I really want?" It may seem obvious, but it's easy to overlook our individual needs if we don't consider them.

Finally, reflect on how far you've already come and how much you've achieved. If you can do all that, you can do anything!

Leave the last semester in the past.

Maybe you had a really bad experience last semester; your grades weren't superb, you lost some friends, or you made some choices you weren't proud of. Don't dwell on your mistakes too much. While it's important to think about them and figure out how you're going to avoid making them twice, don't let them affect you negatively. A new semester is a chance for a new, more improved you! You can't get there if you're still beating yourself up over the past!

You owe it yourself to make every effort to better your college experience. Now go out there and make this the best semester you can!