At the start of every semester I promise myself that this time I won't procrastinate. This time I won't skip a class. This time I won't forget about a meeting. Truth is, I always do. So, I have to stay extra on top of my stuff to ensure that everything is completed correctly and on time. Here are five things I do that make my semester a little easier.
1. Make a skip-sheet. People make fun of me for this all of the time, but I promise you, it works. Get a sheet of paper, write the name of each of your classes in one column, the allowed absences in another column, and then as you miss a class put a tally. I am not about to get a lower grade because I missed too many classes, but sometimes you just need to play a little hooky.
2. To-do lists. I cannot even tell you how much making a to-do list every day has saved my life. I make one every night for the following day with all of the tasks that need to be completed, in order of priority. I keep the list with me throughout the day so I can scratch off and add tasks as needed.
3. Make a syllabus sheet. In college, you generally get all of your due dates at the beginning of the semester, so that there is no excuse for late work. Once I have all of this information, I make a little sheet that I can post on my desk with all of the dates listed. I label it week one, week two, etc. with all of the assignments falling under the week they are due, and the exact date listed beside them. Each class is a different color, so I know which assignment is due, for what. It saves you from having to go back to each syllabus to figure everything out!
4. Set reminders. If you are a forgetful person, then you are going to need all of the help you can get. Writing it down simply may not be enough, so set a reminder in your phone. Any meeting, appointment, or deadline that I have is set in my phone with a reminder two days, two hours, and 30 minutes prior.
5. Planner. My planner is my life. It holds everything from appointments, more to-do lists, meetings, class times and grocery lists, to planned meals. Get one, use it regularly, and never be left behind.
Now, go out there and show this semester who is boss!
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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
StableDiffusion
Run Around Clanging Pots and Pans in Everyone's Face
StableDiffusionThis tradition is meant to drive away bad spirits of the past, but honestly, it's more like a free concert...your friends should really be paying you for your services if you decide to do this on New Year's Eve.
Eat the Last Few Pigs in a Blanket
StableDiffusionIt's been sitting there since what, 8:00? You snooze you lose, and besides, no one's paying attention to you anyway.
Pop Twelve White Grapes
StableDiffusionIf you were in Spain, everyone would be doing just this. One grape for every month of the year. It's supposed to be lucky and stuff.
Burn Something
Photo by Ian Schneider on UnsplashIt's really not that odd-- families in Ecuador burn scarecrows every year on New Year's Eve. It's a symbol of diminishing the negativity of last year. Perhaps preform this one outside though, just to be safe of course.
Smash Things Against a Wall
Photo by Lidye on UnsplashWe can thank the Irish for this bright idea, they use bread specifically though. Who knows why this is a tradition, but it certainly seems like it could be incredibly soothing, don't you think?
Spontaneously Begin an Irish Jig
Photo by Melissa Askew on UnsplashThis isn't lucky or symbolic of anything, but it'll give you something to do at the stroke of midnight and you'll look god damn cool doing it.
Call Your Mother
rotary telephone
Photo by Vinicius "amnx" Amano on UnsplashWell, she did give birth to you. Midnight on New Year's Eve seems as good a time as any to thank her.
Throw a Coffee Table Out a Window
Photo by Kinga Howard on UnsplashAccording to South African tradition, it doesn't necessarily have to be a coffee table. It could be a futon, an ottoman, an armoire, really any piece of furniture that's old. It's for luck of course.
Sing "Auld Lang Syne" at the Top of Your Lungs
Photo by Chang Duong on UnsplashChannel your inner Beyonce, or Mariah, or whoever your Pop Star Diva Queen is and belt that tune. It'll be fantastic mood music.
Do Some Squats
Photo by Meghan Holmes on UnsplashMay as well start the New Year off by working on your inevitable resolution to drop some pounds. Why waste a single moment, you're likely forget the resolution by February anyway.
Swan Dive into a Nearly Freezing Body of Water
Photo by Brayden Prato on UnsplashAnother foreign tradition, this one is practiced by Germans. The kick of it is, you've got to do it while holding a lit torch. Again, who knows why this is a tradition, but its certainly sounds like a fun little challenge to ring in the New Year.
Take a Shot
Photo by Duri from Mocup on UnsplashAnd by shot, naturally I mean a snapshot. Perhaps a group photo, a selfie, or even an unfortunate snipe of your best friend. You'll feel loads better knowing you'll have something to always remember the first moments of 2025 by.
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