College can be a difficult time, especially when you are just starting. When you enter college, you are given the freedom to do whatever you want. You were just a “child” graduating high school and all of a sudden you’re an adult and have to make decisions for yourself. No one is there to tell you to do your assignments, show up to class, or study. Professors are not there to babysit you, they are there to teach and if you don’t care, they usually don’t care. The first semesters of college are spent trying to adjust to your new life, it is easy to get behind. Whether you did badly in class, didn’t try, partied too much, or tried your best and still came up short, having a bad semester is normal.

If you had a bad semester and are trying to recover, stay calm and try these steps.

Identify where you need work

One of the first steps in enhancing your academic performance is realizing where you made mistakes. It could have been health issues, poor attendance, or concentration in class. There are many reasons that could have possibly lead to this moment in your life. Write a list of issues you faced as well as some of the reasons that caused them. You will have to learn from your mistakes.

Learn from your mistakes

Speaking of learning from your mistakes, it’s a vital part of your process. No matter what the problem was, it is important to be honest about the situation. Take responsibility for the mistakes you made and try to avoid them the next semester. If it was something out of your control, try to create a plan to possibly avoid the situation again and better prepare yourself for if it did reoccur. Learning from your mistakes will eventually teach you not to repeat them and therefore better yourself as your further in your career and academics.

Determine if you’re in the right major

This is a vital part of school. Being in the right major is a prime key. When you’re in the wrong major it can really affect your college experience. You’ll find yourself bored in class, failing, and not understanding why you are majoring in this. For example, if you’re a computer science major but you’re not a fan of coding or taking calculus classes then you are in the completely wrong major. If you find yourself in this situation, it is okay to take a few classes that you think might interest you in order to find out if you are truly interested in the subject. Another good place to start is speaking with your academic advisor.

Meet with an academic advisor

Now that you have determined that you are in the right major, meet with your academic advisor. They are some of the best people to help start you off on the right track. They will typically give helpful suggestions and ways to work around situations. Like I mentioned above, they are able to help you determine if you should try to continue for the major you’re in or if you might want to decide to try a new one. Even if they are telling you to try a new one, they are looking out for what is best for you. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment, they are there for you even if your problems aren’t just about your grades.

Take better advantage of on campus resources

This is something that I personally failed at my first year in school. I thought I was too good to go get math help if I didn’t understand. They are here for a reason. Chances are, if you are having trouble in a class, hundreds of other students throughout many years have had the same issues. Many of these services are free to students, so why not take advantage of doing so? I realized this my second year at school and it personally helped me in classes as well as creating a relationship with my professor. If you don’t know where to find resources, check your school’s website. There will be services ranging from counseling, health services, math and writing. There is always someone willing to help you when needed. Don’t wait too long to get help.

Focus on the positives

Even though you may have done bad in a few classes, there are always areas where you did well. Remember that you did some good throughout the semester and didn’t do terrible. You’re still in college and you’re doing your best to get through it. It can be tough and if you keep a positive and open mind, you can get through it.

Realize your GPA does NOT define you

Yes, I realize that your GPA does matter in school. It does matter when it comes to getting internships sometimes. But realize that your GPA doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad student. Sometimes you may try your hardest but can’t come out on top. It happens, it’s a part of life. You can easily raise your GPA to where you want it to be within a few semesters. It just takes time and patience. Do not stress over it too much.

Time management

Stick to a schedule; buy a planner to help keep time of what you have to do. Ask “What needs to be done today?” and make sure you get to them, especially if they are very important. Make sure you give yourself enough time to study each subject and finish the important items. It’s important to have great time management skills because it can eventually help you further in your academic and future career.

Give yourself a break

This goes well with time management. Don’t focus too hard on school. If you don’t give yourself a breather, you can get too stressed out and not do well. Give yourself a break by doing an activity that you enjoy or hanging out with your friends before getting back to studying. College is all about keeping a balance.

Remember why you’re here

You’re in college to get an education. College is supposed to be the time of your life, but if you forget why you’re here it can be hard for you to focus. College is not free, even if you have a scholarship, someone is paying for your education. It’s a waste of money and time if it is not taken seriously. You’re not in college to go out every night and go drunk or hungover drunk to your 8:30 am class the next day.

And remember…. Don’t give up

Please do not give up. Some courses are going to be easier than others while others may make you think about what TV show you’re going to watch when you get home later. It’s very easy to become uninterested in a subject, especially if it doesn’t relate to your study. Try to find ways to make it relate and keep your interest in. The semester will be over quicker if you start to enjoy the class and stay motivated. Keep your head up and optimism high! It may take more than one semester to adjust your GPA to where you want to be, but it is still possible to do well.