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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at OR State chapter.

Winter term is coming and with it another 11 weeks of balancing schoolwork, your part-time job, and your social life. That said, there are ways you can prepare yourself for all the craziness of another term by looking ahead. Even the smallest tasks can really get you on track for a successful term and a new year that you’re in control of.

 

1. Pick out your syllabus week outfits

 

Everyone knows the first day of school is when you really dress up. You show up in your cutest outfit, assess the room, and then after a week of dressing up to the nines go back to wearing leggings and your favorite sweatshirt. Setting out your outfits for that first impression during syllabus week can really save you some time and stress. Whether it’s your favorite dress shirt or nice new romper you’ll feel like the best version of yourself. You’ll also have no need to rummage through your closet before your early morning class and be late on your first day. You’ll already be good to go and ready to take on anything!

 

2. Buy your textbooks ahead of time to save money

 

Step 1: Figure out what books you need on the OSU Beaver Store website by entering your courses with the proper section numbers.

Step 2: Find them for a better price at Amazon, SlugBooks, BigWords, Half, Chegg, or other discount textbook sites to rent or buy.

Step 3: Use the money you saved on textbooks to stock up on coffee before your first round of midterms.

 

3. Buy any additional school supplies you may need.

 

Whether it’s staples, tape, highlighters, sticky notes, or a brand new planner, now is the time to take advantage of holiday sales and get these items. You’ll feel far more organized if you get them beforehand instead of not having them when you need them most.

 

4. Treat yo self

 

Whether it’s a haircut, manicure, blowout, or an at home spa day now is the time to treat yourself. You don’t have to destroy your budget either, there’s plenty of ways to DIY your perfect look at home.

 

5. Establish a daily routine beforehand

 

My mother always told me to start waking up and going to bed as you would during your term at least a week before. This one can be tricky as it’s tempting to go out and/or watch Netflix until all hours of the night during break but definitely something I try to follow even now as a college senior. Even if you don’t always treat your body the best at least help it out just a little bit by getting in a routine you can stick to. Set your alarm and get going just as you would during the school day.

 

6. Figure out an exercise schedule that works for you

 

Dixon has limited hours over the break for running laps, lifting weights, or just enjoying a dip in the hot tub. If you don’t want to work out in public you can also check out exercise DVDs at the library or utilize at home workouts on Youtube with channels such as Blogilates, PopSugar Fitness, or That Fitness Life with Scola Dondo.

 

7. Update your resume

 

Whether you started a new leadership position in your sorority, a new retail job, or even did some volunteering over the break now is the time to update your resume accordingly. The Career Development Center will be hosting their Winter ‘17 Career Expo on February 15th & 16th and leading up to that is the prepare fair and mock interviews with local employers. All of these events and the expo give you a great opportunity to get feedback on your resume, gain insight on your interviewing skills, and even get a new work outfit from Benny’s Beaver Closet.

 

8. Get your chores out of the way

 

It can be taking care of your dishes, tackling your laundry, or organizing your desk but make sure all these little tasks get taken care of so you can take on syllabus week and the term head on. There’s nothing like a clean home and no chores to make you feel a little more like an adult and able to deal if anything unexpected happens so do it now while you still have some free time.

 

9. Figure out the easiest way to get to all your classes

 

I always make it a point to do this a week or so before the beginning of the term. At this point in my college career I generally know where all my classroom buildings are but sometimes you get ones that may surprise you. You may realize you have no time between classes and need a lunch spot on campus or that you need a place to nap in between long lectures. That’s why doing a dry run of getting to your classes is such a great idea. Whether it’s by bus, car, walking, or biking, I would definitely suggest getting your wits about you before the campus becomes crowded again. It makes it a lot less stressful when you have to actually go to class the next week knowing exactly where you’re going and any shortcuts you can use.

 

10. Get excited!!

 

This step is perhaps the most important in your preparation process. Once you feel more prepared and are feeling ready for the term allow yourself to get a little giddy. Here’s to a great new year, a new term, and a fresh start!

Leave a comment below with your favorite way to get ready for back to school!

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Madeline is a Senior at Oregon State majoring in Merchandising Management and minoring in writing. She was the 2016-'17 president of Chi Theta Phi, a local design sorority on campus. If she's not in class, at a club meeting, chapter, or writing, she's probably spending time with her family, friends, walking her dogs, eating junk food, or watching too many crime, comedy, or fashion shows on Netflix. She likes cheese, dogs, creative projects, obnoxious animal prints, garage sales, farmer's markets, and generally just being silly. 
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