Many would think with this being my second year of college that I know exactly what to expect...NEWS FLASH, college is as confusing and unpredictable as the winter weather in Tuscaloosa. Sure I came into this year having a little idea of my surroundings and college life such as the campus, locating my classes, and knowing that I have a great support system at home and within my sorority.
With second semester waiting for me when I return after the break, here are some helpful tips that can help you survive and thrive in 2019 that I have learned through the first semester. Most importantly what I have learned not to do to be a productive this time around.
Study buddies in comfy cubbies !
This year, I was really lucky for two things, in particular, having a car on campus, and being granted the best little sister through my sorority. It sounds so cheesy but literally, we do everything together and find joy in cute coffee shops and being productive. my best advice is to never work alone and make any study session fun. We love going to Heritage House, getting our favorite coffee blend, and pound out hours of homework. Having a great support system can make any study session fun. This campus has many comfortable areas to study in and being in a comfortable space can make any bio test worth studying for.
Note cards are not cute!
Julia Smith
Once upon of time, I had this really bright idea of changing my study strategy and thought the best way to ace my biology test was to make note cards. Four-hundred-and-twenty-five cards later, I learned that I just wasted a tree, five hours of my time and that a caffeine rush is not easy to recover from. It is true that as you advance through college that classes get tougher, but studying doesn't have to. For some people note cards work, so do what works best for you.
Helpful hint: save a tree and use website like Quizlet to save paper and have accessible study tools on your computer or phone. In this case you can study on the go and in between classes.
Let's get physical!
Julia Smith
What I have learned is that college is stressful, any college student can tell you that, but doesn't mean it has to be. Many students put their physical health on the back burner because classes get crazy. This is true that our education is key, but going to the gym, going on a walk, or even taking a Zumba class is good for your mind and your body. For me, working out or going on a run makes me feel accomplished and relieves any stress I have. Always know that it is OK to step away from the screen and step on the treadmill.
Sleep it off!
Julia Smith
Whether I like to admit it or not, things happen in college. Boys suck, tests are hard, and bad days are real. Sometimes you cannot control the outcome of a day, but you can always start fresh the next morning. I started realizing that I would take my stresses of the day to bed, text in bed, and have a hard time going to sleep or not getting the amount of sleep my body needed. Make sure you take the time and steps of having a good night's rest. This will improve your ability to be productive the next day, improve your mood, your ability to retain information, and flat-out enjoy the day! Set alarms even on the weekends! It is good to keep a routine and you will find that many different aspects of college will improve.
Make time for fun!
Julia Smith
I am one to always put off getting ice cream or going to a date party because I am "too busy." Tests will come and go, but memories with your friends are what make your times in college memorable. This doesn't mean go out every night but make time to do things you enjoy with people you enjoy even more, even if that means you need to write it down in your agenda!
Trying these things will definitely help you have a less stressful second semester!
