Winter break has finally come to an end. If you’re like me, you rewatched The Great British Baking Show and saw all of your animal friends. Maybe you traveled somewhere amazing and are now dreading the return to class after spending days exploring and eating incredible food. Regardless of how we spent our breaks, we are all back at college for our spring semester.
*Actual picture of me over winter break*
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash
Returning to the rhythm of school is especially difficult after the winter break. I’m now used to sleeping in, having a car at my access, and a lack of homework. However, now that the spring semester is officially underway, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. So, here are five tips to help you get back on track for your best spring semester yet.
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Clean your room. I realize that I sound like a parent right now, but hear me out. Most of you have not been living at your college home, whether it be a dorm or off-campus housing, for a few weeks. Tidy things up. Maybe do some rearranging, or at least do the laundry… even if it’s just your pillowcases. Please. Feeling comfortable and welcome in your room is incredibly important, especially since you’ve been gone for a while. You also need a good place to be when you’re not in class. This is your space! Own it.
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Catch up with your friends. FRIENDS ARE SO IMPORTANT. I don’t think I can ever stress this enough. In my freshman year, I, unfortunately, learned how influential friends could be on my overall mental health. I was acing my classes but failing in the social aspect of college. This really hurt me in the end. Having a strong support system of the people that you love and trust is crucial for a good semester. Moreover, you probably haven’t seen everyone since finals. I promise that people have exciting stories to tell. Reconnect with your people.
Photo by Hian Oliveira on Unsplash
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Go to a professor’s office hours. Hopefully, you have a professor that you just click with. This is the professor that you recommend to everyone and talk about far too often (I’m incredibly guilty of doing the latter). Even if you aren’t taking a class with this professor, go to their office hours. They can provide invaluable guidance and advice about your courses and teachers. If you have any questions or ideas, go to this professor. They’ll help to get you into a good mindset for the upcoming semester. Moreover, having a professor on your side is so helpful for the future. You have all of these brilliant educators at your access. Use them!
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Schedule an appointment with your advisor. This is a very *me* thing to do, but I’m a firm believer in the power of the advisor. Here’s the thing: most students don’t reach out to their team of advisors until they’re already failing a class or struggling with their major. Engage with your advisor from the beginning. They will make sure that you’re starting the semester with the right attitude and outlook. Advisors, like professors, are also fantastic resources. They are here to help you succeed, so keep your advisor active in your semester.
Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash
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Find a new podcast/Netflix show/book/musician to enjoy in your downtime. No semester is without its lows, so go into spring armed with some form of entertainment you know you’ll love. Taking a distribution that is just sucking the life out of you? Now you have a playlist that you can listen to before class starts to put you in a better mood. There is nothing wrong with using a Netflix show as motivation for homework. Remember, college is also supposed to be fun. Even though you’re not on break anymore, you are absolutely allowed to relax. Fill your downtime with things that make you happy!
I hope you have an amazing spring semester!