As a college student, I often start off the semester with the expectation that I will be the perfect student! I will get A's on every exam, finish every essay early, and keep my dorm room perfectly organized. It is safe to say that this past semester that did not happen. But this semester I've committed to getting one step closer to that "perfect student" ideal. If you have also decided that being a better student will be your New Year's Resolution, here are a few tips:

Write Everything Down

Start keeping a calendar. Use your cell phone, use an app, use a physical journal just WRITE IT DOWN! You might think that you will remember that due date or that meeting with your professor, but you will not! Do not risk it! Just write it down!

Stop Procrastinating

I know it's hard because I struggle with this too. But trust me, nothing feels better than finishing your research paper a week early and being the only student in the class who isn't pulling an all-nighter. Just do your homework when it gets assigned to you. It makes life so much easier.

Stay Healthy

Eating right, sleeping right, and moderate exercise helps immensely! It keeps you calm, healthy, and ready to take on that exam!

Don't do it all

I know it's exciting in college and that everything sounds like it is going to be so much fun, but participating in everything on campus is exhausting and stressful. Remember that you not only have to keep your grades up, you have to take care of yourself too. Everyone needs a few minutes a day to themselves, don't forget to budget for that.

Little steps at a time

Don't hold yourself to an unrealistic expectation. If you're really struggling in a class, and you usually get C's, shoot for a B on the next exam! Don't expect to magically stop all of your bad habits, or to end all of your personal difficulties right away. Give yourself a reasonable goal, and when you meet it, make another.

I am going to be working on all of this too, so let all work on this together! I hope that everyone else has a wonderful start to their spring semester, and Happy New Year!