If your school is anything like mine, syllabus week is already over and this coming week is going to be the first one in which actual work needs to be done. I know I am already feeling a little overwhelmed by the new course materials and all the papers I will have to write by May, but luckily, there is a buffer day between doing the things I want to do and the things I have to do. Behold, Sundays: the threshold to a fresh week. Used properly, Sundays can bring peace, balance and at least a little structure to the rest of the week to help you get everything done with your sleep schedule in tact. Here are a few things to do on Sunday to set you up for prosperity:

1. List everything you have to do in the upcoming days.

That means looking over your calendar and writing down any engagements you may have, like meetings with academic advisers or concerts you bought tickets for ages ago. Look through your syllabi and write down all homework assignments or readings that must be completed before class time. Writing down everything you know you have to do allows you to budget time properly and not let anything slip through the cracks.

2. Set out everything you need for the upcoming day.

This means laying out what clothes you want to wear and preparing your backpack for a long day of classes. Packing the night before will help you to avoid forgetting any crucial materials and will let you keep track of what books you need for the semester. Doing this will also save you precious minutes in the morning which, if you have early classes, is a godsend.

3. Tidy up.

Working in a clean, uncluttered area is the best way to ensure you make the most of your study or homework time. Wipe your desk off with disinfectant, make your bed and do your dishes. If you can, do your laundry. Having fresh clothes in the morning is a really nice thing to wake up to and it will make you feel more prepared to go about your day.

4. Rest up!

That may seem counterintuitive for preparing for a challenging week, but they don't call them "lazy Sundays" for nothing. After doing what you need to do, like freshening up your room and doing your homework, give yourself some time to rest and relax before the week begins again.

Having a nice, peaceful Sunday can set the tone for the rest of the week, so why not start it on a good note?