Since I first started classes at the University of Denver, I had homework. Regardless of how old my professors were or what class I was taking; syllabus week was not at all what I had been told it would be like. I had absolutely no ability to go out every single night, and the upperclassmen telling me that you don’t actually have to spend your first week in the library was uncomfortably far from the truth. Although it may have just been my majors or classes, I decided it was important for everyone to understand that syllabus week is not always the wonderful rumors you hear that glorify it. Here is my own interpretation of what syllabus week is really like.

For starters, I feel that it is important to communicate that syllabus week is not a time to slack off and party with your friends. While that may seem appealing, and you may want more than anything to get out and meet more people, it is better used as a time to get ahead in all of your classes. Think of it this way: if you take the time to organize your schedule and really understand your free time and how long it takes to get to and from the library, you don’t have to experience all that hype and stress the second week.

If you’re like me, and for some reason get some bad luck from time to time, you may encounter a syllabus week where you are the only one out of your friends who has homework due. If this is the case, don’t fret! While it is easy to get caught up in the “let’s just do something fun” attitude, you have to remember that your classes are different from your friends, and just because they can skip the library and still be ahead, doesn’t mean you’ll be so lucky.

On top of it all, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you just can’t keep up with all your other obligations. Whether you are a part of an on-campus club, or are currently working to hold up your off-campus job, it can be challenging to try to find time to do it all. This is where syllabus week should be your best friend in the entire world. Syllabus week gives you the opportunity to organize all of your other obligations and make sure that you really can commit as much as you think you will be able to. If you spend that first week in classes calling your various employers and being alert of all of your commitments, while also focusing some time on class, you won’t go into the coming weeks thinking that you have more availability than you actually do.

Moral of the story? Use syllabus week as a time to get ahead in your work and be productive, NOT as a time to blow everything off. While it may seem easier to ease into everything and not acknowledge all of the commitments you have, being aware of everything will save you in the long run. And believe me, your mind and body will certainly thank you.