With winter break over with, it’s about time you started saying bye-bye to guiltlessly sleeping in, eating everything in the kitchen, and binge watching Netflix shows like it’s your job. It’s back to academic obligations (though some may call this torture). Don’t start hyperventilating just yet, though! Here are some tips that’ll make the transition into the new semester a little less…traumatic.
1. Get the necessities.
After the fall semester, hopefully you realized that maybe you brought some things that you barely used, and maybe you didn’t bring things that you would have used. Maybe you didn’t use that popcorn maker as often as you thought you would (a.k.a. you didn’t use it at all). Make sure you do a little bit of spring cleaning at the start of the semester so you can round up the junk that’s taking up space in your room. This will give you more (precious) space to, you know, breathe and accommodate the things you actually need. These changes are designed to get your semester off to an efficient and more comfortable start. So be mindful of what you consider necessary and what you don’t.
2. Take care of administrative details early.
Still couldn’t enroll in that class you really need for your major? Have credits that need to be transferred over? Have to actually declare your major this semester? There’s no time like the present to get all that stuff done! Students typically have more free time at the beginning of the semester because the first week of classes is usually introductory and more lenient. The tides aren’t quite rolling yet, and they certainly aren’t crashing. This being said, taking care of business early on is more prudent than waiting until you’re a few weeks into the semester. When you’re finished you’ll be able to breathe easier knowing that you can now turn your attention to other tasks at hand. Besides, when you have an Orgo exam to study for, let’s be real, all that will matter to you is caffeine, clicker questions, and not screwing up the first test of the semester!
3. Set new goals.
Be able to look ahead while also taking one step at a time. Giving yourself an idea of where you want to be in one month, two months, etc. is important for getting yourself out of the winter break blues and into the spring semester heat. Creating goals will force you to create a defined path toward achieving them, which will in turn foster a sense of control. As college students, control is something we learn to value deeply because during a turbulent college career, it may be fleeting. In fact, if there is only one tip on this page that you decide to follow, it must be this one (though you should follow the others too, because they’re awesome!) Go from goals of finishing an entire season of Grey’s Anatomy in three days to goals of securing an on-campus job within the first month.
4. Hang out with friends.
Misery loves company! Take some time to be excited with friends over the fact that your boring winter break has come to an end. Or take some time to be sad with friends over the fact that your adventure-filled winter break has come to an end. Regardless of your feelings toward your well-deserved recess, take some time to catch up with your SBU buddies. Who else kept you sane during the fall semester and will probably keep you sane in the months to come?
5. Start building organizational habits.
It’s never too early to get organized! Learning how to take control of a cluttered schedule will lead to the proper management of several tasks including classes, studying, work, homework and much more. If you do not yet know the amazing powers of the Calendar app on your computer or phone, then get to know them! ASAP. This is a fantastic way to practice appropriately allocating your time toward various tasks. If you aren’t too crazy about digitizing your daily life, then you can always purchase a planner book. There are hundreds of designs to choose from that help you plan your time as efficiently as possible! This is a great way to ensure that you can handle the hurdles college throws at you further along in the semester!
6. Get your butt out of your room!
If basically every waking moment of your winter break was spent by you camping out under your bedsheets, popcorn in hand and Supernatural on the screen, then you need to remember what it’s like to move your legs and be outside of your room. This level of laziness will only deter you from wanting to attend your classes or events happening on campus that could be beneficial. Practice learning how to be around people again. For best results, try attending involvement fairs, Weekend Life events, and actually leaving your room for food when you’re hungry.