With school just around the corner, it is time to start thinking about how to make this year different from the last. You cannot go into a new school year without thinking of the goals you want to achieve this fall semester or the whole year. Reflecting on your past mistakes will help you from making them again. This upcoming college year is yours for the taking and here are a few tips to make sure you have a productive one:

1. Go to club meetings

Whether you are a freshman or a junior, going to club meetings is a great way to get your name out in school and to meet people. Go to club meetings that you would not normally attend; college is the time to try new things. If you end up not liking it, you could simply stop attending. Being a part of a club gives you a great sense of community, and it helps keep you on your toes.

2. Have a schedule (besides your class one)

Yes, your class schedule is super important, but a personalized one with club meetings, lunch dates, library group sessions, etc. are as important. To keep you from putting on too much on your plate, before the start of every week write down where you need to go, what you need to do, and when you need to do it. Stick to your schedule. Your schedule does not only need to have all the boring stuff (like when a paper is due), but it can have when the next sports game is or when you are headed to the movies with friends. Remember to keep room for fun no matter your hectic schedule.

3. Get a gym partner.

The school year goes as quickly as the summer has ended. To make sure you do not gain the freshman 15, sophomore 20 or just any high amount of weight, it helps to have a gym partner. It is hard canceling on the gym when you have another person depending on you. What also keeps you going to the gym is trying out new workouts. Go take a spin class, martial arts, yoga, etc. If you are tired of hitting the same machines, do not just stop going. Go take a class with friends.

4. Keep your dorm room clean.

You cannot have a productive year when your room is a mess. Have a cleaning day with your roommate, or take it upon yourself to clean your side at least once a week. Having clothes all over the floor and laundry undone is no way to live. Keep it clean, and you will see how easier it makes the year go.

5. Get close with your professors.

Attend their office hours, even if you are not having difficulty in your class. Get to know them, and give them a chance to get to know you. Your professors are one of your biggest sources in college. They do not only teach you, but they can give pretty great advice. Speak to all the professors you have, even if they do not teach your major. We all have a great deal to learn from them — in class and out. Trust me, when you need good career advice or a letter of recommendation for your study abroad program, you will be glad you spent time with them when you did.

6. Learn to speed read and take notes quicker.

In a lecture class of 100 or a small class of 30, taking notes quickly is a skill you must learn and master in college. Some people actually pay others for their notes, so what better way to earn pocket money than by attending class and taking good, readable notes? Most of the homework in college is reading huge chapters that in reality no one actually reads. The trick is not to skip the reading entirely and just read the summary but to divide each section and speed read. Jot down notes for each section.

May the odds be ever in your favor! Have a great start of the new school year.