Classes are once again in session! You just got back from a month-long winter break and are either really glad to start up the semester or really sad to let all that free time go. Every college student on the face of the planet goes through a readjustment period at the beginning of every semester. Here are some tips on how to make this stressful time a little less stressful!

1. Get a really nice day planner.

If you don’t already have some sort of planner, GET ONE! The calendar on your phone will work just as good, but it’s never a bad idea to have a paper version that you can pull out write-in throughout the day. It is important to make sure you write down any important due dates and reminders so you can stay ahead of the game.

2. Tell yourself that this semester will be YOUR semester and actually mean it this time.

I’m sure we all tell ourselves that this semester will be better. While sometimes we actually make the needed adjustments to our schedule and put in the effort to do more, sometimes we still don’t make the cut. I know finding motivation can be hard, but it will be worth it. Fake it if you have to. Just do a little more, and a little more, and a little more until one day you won’t have to. One day you’ll be performing at your best possible level, but it takes time and a lot of effort to get there.

3. Get ahead and stay ahead.

You’ll thank me for this one. Seriously, any extra free time you have used to complete assignments for classes early. The sooner you get shit done, the sooner you can move on to other more fun things that you actually want to be doing. Procrastination is literally the WORST and it is something that I have a huge problem with.

I always I feel like I have more time than I do to get my assignments done, and then end up with maybe the night before to start and finish it. Not only is that a terrible thing to do, but it is a terrible thing to do. Avoid procrastination at all costs.

4. Cut out any unnecessary drama.

If you are well on the path to graduate, then you really don’t need any extra drama to bring you down or hinder your success. If there are some people that you are friends with who always have to start something with someone about anything all the time, you don’t need them. Cut out negative people and cut out things that don’t stimulate you to be a better version of yourself. Dedicate your time to working and studying and going to class. You can still have a social life, but schoolwork should always come first. Man, I sound like a grandparent.

5. Take care of yourself!

Eat well and sleep well. Your body needs fuel and your body also needs time to regroup after a long day, because every single day is a long day for a college student. If you aren’t feeling well, don’t put off going to the doctor. Get any health issues taken care of so you can operate at your best every day. Take your vitamins and stay hydrated. Exercise regularly whenever you can. If you exercise just 30 minutes a day or every other day, your body will thank you. That could be walking around your neighborhood or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, whatever exercise means to you.

6. Good luck and happy semester!