Okay, so we’re two weeks into the spring semester and you still haven’t caught on to the idea of actually having to do homework. Instead, you succumb to the lingering urge to watch hours of Netflix at a time and indulge in multiple cookies from the dining hall. It’s a perfectly normal feeling, and one I’ve certainly experienced over the past couple of weeks. However, even though it’s not easy, it’s time to face the facts and make the transition from vacation to real life. If you’re still struggling to switch back to the academic mindset, here are a few tips to ease the transition:
- Space out your screen time.
Even though you might have mountains of homework, relaxing occasionally with a Youtube video or show is still a good idea. Just don’t let the time get away from you (e.g. “If I watch a third episode of How I Met Your Mother, it’ll only take up another twenty minutes!”). Instead, watch a short show (or half of one) in between classes, and another half before you go to bed. That way, you can still indulge in your favorite show, but you’ll have plenty of time to be productive.
2. Get out of your room.
Often, I have a lot more trouble being productive if I’m sitting on my bed in my dorm room than if I’m at a desk by the window at Club Snell. If you have a lot to do, don’t just go back to your room and immediately start browsing the Internet—head to the library or another popular study spot. Once you’re surrounded by other students doing homework, you might have an easier time getting something done yourself.
3. Make a new playlist.
If you’re the kind of person who listens to music while you study, a “Get in the Zone” playlist might be just what you need. Hearing songs you like will make the experience of writing that paper a little less awful (and maybe a lot more productive). Make the playlist fairly long, so you don’t have to continually switch back to iTunes to change the song. Then put your earphones in and get to work!
4. Pick the right snacks.
Essentially, the holidays are a time when you can eat whatever and however much you want without feeling guilty about it. However, now that we’re all back at school, snacks serve a different purpose than they did over break. Instead of just nibbling at sweets when you’re bored, pick protein-filled snacks that will help you get through that four-hour block of classes (e.g. apples and peanut butter, string cheese). And although it might allow you to sleep in an extra ten minutes, never skip breakfast if you can help it.
5. Start planning your next vacation.
Right now, Spring Break seems ages away, and summer is barely on the radar. However, since Northeastern’s semester ends so early, you have less time than you think before you’re back on vacation! So go ahead and crack down on your homework now, but don’t let yourself get too discouraged. Instead, start thinking about what you’ll do when you next have time off (even if it’s just re-indulging in your Netflix habit).
Best of luck with studying, collegiettes—we’re all in this together! The beginning of the semester is always hard, but Spring Break will be here before we know it.