A new semester means a new set of challenges, joys, knowledge. Coming back from weeks of vacation can often feel like physical therapy: painfully necessary. Here's the start of a new semester as told by Harry Potter.

1. Saying goodbye

Goodbye mom and dad, goodbye pupper, goodbye bed -- I'll see you in three months! The feeling is always bittersweet as you're anxious to see friends while you also remember the other responsibilities that come with school.

2. First Monday

The alarm rings at 7:00 a.m., but you hit snooze at least three times. Hopefully this isn't a prediction of how the semester is going to go.

3. First day of class (syllabus day)

This is a day you look forward to because syllabus day is the easiest of the semester, unless you're stuck with one of those teachers who actually hits the ground running and teaches the very first day.

4. First homework assignment

This can go one of two ways. Either the work is incredibly easy and you imagine the semester as a piece of cake by the ocean. Or you think it's the end of the world and cry.

5. First weekend

You've survived the first week, though you thought the weekend would never come. You sleep in on Saturday because you (probably) haven't had the opportunity to do so all week long.

6. First all-nighter

Every semester you tell yourself that this semester will be different and you won't stay up all night. But here you are again at 3 a.m., wondering why you once again procrastinated.

7. First test

If you have a new professor, this first test is stressful; you want to do well and make a good impression, but you're also unsure of the teacher's testing style and harshness (or grace) in grading.

8. First grade

The first grade sets the tone for the rest of the class. Regardless of what grade you receive, you have two choices in how you respond: a) accept defeat and mediocrity because you don't think you can meet the expectations you've set for yourself or b) use it as motivation to grow and do better next time.

9. First breakdown

This usually comes right before or after the first test. This is an okay response so long as you don't stay there. Push yourself, and always strive for something greater.

10. First day off

Having no classes is such a glorious feeling! Soak it in, but don't spend your day in bed. Get out, get active. Enjoy the little luxuries you can't partake of while studying, such as reading for pleasure, art, sports, or whatever that looks like for you.

11. First night out

Eventually, you need to get out of your dorm and off campus otherwise you'll experience burnout, which is especially bad at the start of a semester. Take time to hang out with friends. Eat at a restaurant instead of the caf or go line dancing downtown.

12. First breakthrough

This takes different forms for each person. You may find yourself in class, discovering your passions. Maybe you'll finally understand a concept that has been escaping your grasp for weeks. Whatever it is, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. Hold onto that and use it to propel yourself farther.

Think of each new semester as the chance to set new goals. Make the most of each moment you're given. After all, you'll only ever have one semester like this in life. don't waste it.