Whether you're reluctant to see summer go or ecstatic to see fall arrive, transitioning back into school-mode can be challenging. Care-free vacations end and the routine of classes begin. By using transition strategies at the start of the fall semester, you can keep your mind at ease while the coursework begins.
Packing Fall Necessities
Moving into a dorm, college house, or college apartment, packing is often the first moment you acknowledge it's real- it's time to go back to school. Going into a new semester means going into a new season. If you live in an area where it's not one, consistent weather and temperature year-round, you'll need an array of packing items. For the optimal packing list, hold off on bringing your warmer winter items until Thanksgiving break or another long weekend you can revisit home. Packing for your fall semester is ideal for summer-to-fall items only, from wardrobe to appliances, meaning your winter boots and heated blanket can stay behind for now. Bring a few summer items you can guarantee you'll use and pack all the fall items you'll definitely need.
Changing Your Wardrobe
Sometimes we wish the summer weather would continue into those first few weeks of September, but it's most likely just that- a wish. As the warm weather will soon come to an end, we must be realistic in choosing what attire to pack for college. A good clothing tip is to pack like a capsule wardrobe, bringing your basics to interchange with one another. Solid, neutral items can be layered and worn in many different ways. Keeping the basics in mind, bring your summer items that can easily transition alongside them into fall. You may love that colorful lemon dress you wore during hot summer days, but you have to reconsider if you'll still be wearing it during cold, windy walks to your Monday morning class. Wardrobe accessories that hint to a small pop of color without overdoing the outfit, such as simple yellow flats or a light blue hat, can be transitioned into your warmer fall outfits without entirely ridding of your summer style.
Setting Sleep Schedules
Hanging out will friends until 2 A.M. quickly turns into getting to bed early for class at 8 A.M. As much as we may love our late summer nights, it's not ideal to keep that sleeping schedule moving into the new semester. Making sure you get enough sleep before each class can create an immense impact on your overall wellbeing. Sleeping enough and having a sleep routine means your body is more likely to fall asleep easier and wake up on time for class. Giving your body enough sleep, regularly, can be the difference in getting all your work done or catching another common cold. If you're able to start your sleep schedule prior to classes starting, it'll ease your body into the routine. According to Sleep.org, you won't be able to change your sleep schedule overnight, meaning gradual adjustments are most effective.
Getting Organized
I'm sure you've heard it before- organization leads to success. Perhaps it doesn't seem like it, but being even slightly organized from the start can make your semester just a bit more successful. Transitioning into the fall semester means you'll have multiple responsibilities handed to you. Within the first week, you'll probably be given a syllabus from each of your courses and maybe even some assignments to already jumpstart. Beginning the semester with a daily or weekly to-do list and setting monthly self-goals can be an easy way to get you organized from the start.
Staying Stress-Free
Keeping your mind calm, peaceful, and at ease can make or break your semester. Preparing ways to combat stress is necessary towards handling your semester, especially as the course load worsens. Each method isn't fit for everyone but finding your perfect way to rid of stress can set you up for success. Yoga, writing, reading, listening to music or being surrounded by animals, there's a method for everyone. Starting a new semester can bring on new levels of stress. Determining your stress-free solution early on can help you start your semester without worry and already prepared for any assignment your professors throw at you.
Moving out of summer and into the fall semester can be stressful, challenging, and overwhelming. Knowing how to transition into the semester can make those upcoming months a little bit easier to handle. Hopefully, these transition strategies will come in handy as you encounter college this fall. Good luck and have a great semester!
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