Okay so it's new year, new you and you're determined to get that GPA higher than it was last semester. But it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the beginning of the semester. During syllabus week, it can seem like that one class you were actually excited about seems like a lot of work. It can seem like those class necessary for our degree can seem like a killer. Basically, every class seems like the beginning grey hairs and stress wrinkles (except that one liberal arts class with the teacher that wants you to call him by his first name). But, if you're really set on getting good grades, here are a couple tips on feeling accomplished this semester.

1. Checks and Balances

This does not apply solely to your government class, but instead all your classes as a whole. Go through the syllabus and see which assignments count more towards your overall grade. While I don't advise skipping all the small assignments, leverage out a couple small assignments here and there that you can sacrifice if you're really busy or stressed.

2. Plan Those Essays Early

Make yourself an outline of what you want to write about in your essay at least a week before it's due. That way, you can avoid the rushed and messy night-before essay that earns you a solid C. By planning out what you're going to do, you can take the essay little by little without getting too far off track each time you stop and pick it back up.

3. Research Your Professor

Understand your enemy before you engage in battle...just kidding. Look up some information about your professor whether that be on a rating website or read up on some of their works. By learning a bit about them and their background, you can tackle their assignments with their tact in mind. This also gives you leeway for a little brown-nosing if you need to buddy up with them. Go to their office hours and talk to them about their work if you're really desperate. It won't always work but it's worth a shot, plus they'll be flattered.

4. Find Your Special Place

It may seem a bit obvious, but finding a quiet place you can zone in will help you focus a whole lot more than studying in the living room with your roommates gossiping about the new season of the Bachelor. Whether it be on the second floor of the library (it's always so much emptier than the first) or a local coffee shop with a cute hipster barista, finding that study place is like finding the perfect man (such a sense of relief that the search is over).

5. Stay Calm

It's easy to get super stressed, give up, and hide under your blanket the whole day but that's not helping anyone. If things seem to be getting out of control, take a deep breath, a nice break, and take care of yourself with a bubble bath or a new facial mask or a couple hours playing video games.

Good luck this semester and here's to hoping to many snow days off!