Junior year is by far one of the most challenging years in college. It is one that requires a copious amount of effort and work, all while trying to stay sane. Its the time to buckle down on what you are passionate about to obtain the skills to go into the real world. Lets be real, college isn't the real world just yet, but being able to prepare and acquire habits that can benefit your life outside of the classroom are essential. The past three years I have noticed some things that have helped me and a lot of my peers make it through the year with minimal tears and frustration. So let me try to help you figure out how to get through junior year with out going crazy.
1. Try Not to Procrastinate
There are not a lot of people who like writing papers, especially on something that you are not passionate about. I know NO ONE likes writing papers the last minute that amounts to half of their grade. Do yourself a favor and space it out so it does not seem as tedious as it might actually be.
2. Stay Active
Classes can be so stressful and you have to find a way to get rid of the stress that has accumulated. Some people enjoy doing strenuous exercise like playing sports, and others just enjoy taking a walk through their campus or even in the surrounding neighborhoods. Being able to clear your head and not have to worry about that crazy bio lab report you have to do later can make you feel refreshed to get back into the grove.
3. Eat Well
As many times as I have told myself that I am going to 'diet' and not eat the last cookie in the sleeve, I know that it can be for the best. Eating healthier options can make you feel so much better and actually give you a lot of energy for your busy day ahead. No, salads don't sound as good as that left-over pizza, but you're gonna feel so much better in the long run.
4. Self Care
Self care is one of the most looked past aspects of college. Taking care of yourself seems so silly, but can help you in so many ways. Being so busy and always on the go, its hard to really think that you should take the 5 minutes after your last class to just take a breathe. Maintaining both physical and mental health is extremely important. Your health and mind is critical and to be as stress free from the little stressors in life can go a long way to succeed in your junior year.
5. Maintain Friendships
As we all know you make some of your best friends for life in college, and with the work load of many juniors it is hard to find some free time with your friends. Make the time for them, go out to eat, binge watch a show together one night. It will make you feel so much better and to to be surrounded by good company, those memories will last forever.
6. Go to Office Hours
It is a myth that people will look down on you if you attend office hours and meet with your professor. Its actually the smartest thing to do, and professors will be highly impressed that you care enough about your grades to take the time out to meet with them. If you are struggling through your 300 and 400 level classes, GET SOME HELP, your diploma counts on it.
7. Find a Study Buddy
A study buddy is one of the best tools to have in college, especially with the harder course load and in-major classes. Although these classes are more interesting than the core classes, its always nice to have a helping hand to make sure you are in line with the syllabus. Just having a mutual respect for each others well being in class can go a long way!
8. Call Your Parents
While this might seem juvenile, its not. You're parents/guardians are your BIGGEST SUPPORTERS. Not only will they tell you they miss you and love you, but they will tell you that they are proud of you and everything that you have accomplished thus far. Now tell me, who doesn't want to hear that every now and again?
9. Acknowledge the Future
EW! No! Okay, so the future probably scares almost everyone in college. Who wants a real job when you have the best set up right now? Well lets be real, its coming and you cant stop it. Instead of working the summer job you have had the past 5 years, try to look for an internship which pertains to your major. Try to build connections through linkedin or community outreach programs. Get your name out there, this will only help you when you begin to explore options in the 'real world'.
10. Celebrate Your Successes
Yes, you aced that exam that you thought you weren't prepared for. CELEBRATE and be happy that you did well. Its okay to feel good about yourself and acknowledge that all the time and effort you put into those all nighters were worth it. Now, after the celebrating, just make sure you still feel okay to study for the next exam you have tomorrow morning :)
