The second semester of college can be difficult for most. You’ve finished a whole semester and you’re almost done for the year, but you have an entire semester to push through. It’s dark, it’s cold, and it’s time to grind.
- Set semester goals
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Think about what you’ve achieved in the past. Maybe you’ve earned the dean’s list and want to strive to achieve that goal again. Maybe your goal is to establish close relationships with your professor in ways such as attending office hours. Whatever your academic history has been, try to view the new semester as a fresh start to improve from your past accomplishments.
- Purchase a planner
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One of the best ways to stay on top of your school assignments is by purchasing a planner. Write down your class schedule, club meetings, work schedule, and event plans with friends so you can avoid forgetting important meetings or assignments.
- Get into a healthy routine
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After a long winter break, it can be quite difficult to establish a healthy routine. The best way to do so is to organize your school schedule and try to use that as a base to determine when you have time for meals, working out, time with friends, and a way to ensure you’re getting enough sleep through the week.
- Incorporate exercise and healthy meals
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The best way to start a new year is by inventing a new you. Try to assess your current fitness level and view the new semester as a way to improve or grow. Then from there, try looking at what you already eat, meal prep, and making better choices either in the dining hall or the grocery store. A great way to stay on top of your eating habits is a free fitness and food tracker app like My Fitness Pal.
- Purchase all books by the second week of classes
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In many cases, you can’t be successful in a class without owning the book. However, there are many situations where you may not use your book for classes. Try to go through your first week of school and determine which classes you need what materials for so you are ensuring success.
- Make time for friends and things you enjoy
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Now that you’ve established a routine with school, try to make time for your friends and the little things that you enjoy in life. Whether it’s watching the bachelor on a Monday night or going to your favorite smoothie place, try to do the little things in life to keep you uplifted.
- Try something new
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Maybe you’ve always wanted to try a spin class at your school’s recreation center. Or maybe you’re interested in hiking but have always been afraid. Try little things that will push you out of your comfort zone and you might be surprised by what you enjoy.
- Ensure you are using your time effectively
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Do you find yourself constantly overwhelmed and always rushing to get through one thing to the next? Or do you find yourself having too much free time and being constantly bored? Try to evaluate how you are managing your time, as time management is one of the most important factors to having a successful semester.
- Try to dress cute and feel confident
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Maybe it’s just wearing a cute top or straitening your hair before class. Let yourself feel good so you can boost your mood and feel more bold and engaged.
- Be your biggest advocate
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Know your worth and your goals and wake up and remember why you came to college in the first place.