With the New Year comes a new semester, a new class schedule and a clean slate. When you begin each semester, you have a chance to completely revamp your lifestyle and alter your college career for the better. So what are you planning to do with such a life-changing opportunity?
Yeah, we all know that most of us students will half-heartedly continue to write papers at the last minute, put off going to the gym for just another day, talk about how fun that club would be if you ever actually went and sulk about not having friends in any of your classes or dorms.
Well, it’s time to cut the bullshit and do yourselves a favor for once. Turn off your TV, “X” out of Facebook and work on some self-improvement. You didn’t get that GPA that you were aiming for last semester, did you? Now is your chance to make up for slacking in the past!
This semester, try actually going to all of your classes; even those lectures that no one else goes to and you think are unnecessary. When you go to the class and physically write down the notes, you will retain 50% more knowledge than if you skip and just read the book later. Even better, try writing your notes in different colors; you will retain about 50-80% more of that information without reading it over a second time.
Also, did you know that when you actually show up to class, you’re capable of building a better relationship with your teachers and TAs? That’s a no-brainer. Going to class will not go unnoticed, and if you are in need of help, your professors will be much more eager to help a student who they notice is actually trying in their class.
Finally, if you’re still struggling with time management, seriously consider the study skills class provided by the school, or even a tutor. Yes, it’s a class about studying and it’s provided by the school, but it is a lot more helpful than you would expect. As far as tutoring goes, most tutors are other students who understand what you are struggling with. Just don’t be afraid to seek outside help!
Alright ladies, now it’s time to revamp your social lives. With the spring semester comes the formal spring sorority rush! I don’t care what your presumptions about sororities are, give it a try anyway. Not only is a great way to meet other girls and build friendships within your rush group, but every sorority varies and each is full of girls with different backgrounds, goals and personalities.
Eileen Chu, a sophomore neurobiology and physiology major didn’t think rush was for her last year, but she has decided to give it a try her second time around. She explained, “I think it will be a great opportunity to meet new people and possibly form new friendships with people who have similar interests as I do.” There is about a 98% chance that you will meet a girl you’ll want to befriend, or tour a house that you could definitely see yourself living in.
Other than spring rush, the new semester provides you with all new classes, which allow you the opportunity to meet as many people as you want! Suck up your shyness, push aside your pride and talk to that person sitting next to you. Even if you can’t see them as a friend, you will at least have them as a buddy who can help with tests, homework and notes.
Last but not least, get off of your asses and do something extra-curricular! I was about to go count the number of clubs that Maryland offers, but that would take me all night. As many apps as the iPod has for your needs, Maryland matches in clubs for its students. Not only will you provide yourself with something to look forward to outside of your night life, but you’ll also meet more people.
Try out student government, play some video games, be a Gryffindor in a game of quidditch, read some books, play your favorite sport or even just go work out! Whatever your preferences are, we have a club for that.
Rather work on your own? Even if you start a regular gym routine by yourself, you will be in better health physically and emotionally. Working out helps our bodies produce endorphins; endorphins make us happy. Enough said.
Now that you’ve finished reading this article, get the hell up and get moving toward a phenomenal second semester!