It’s been a long one; four months of slaving away at our laptops to get papers done, staying up late studying for midterms, and countless hangovers after too many nights out. Just think about September though: how motivated you were to start another year of university, get ahead on your work, and get those A’s. We both know you didn’t do what you said you would, because well, things came up…and those textbooks are soooo boring.
While we all have high hopes at the beginning of each new semester, here are five things you should have done this semester but didn’t…..maybe it can be a to-do list for next semester?
1. Get a head start, and stay ahead
You make a to-do list, get all of your assignments and midterms listed in your planner and can’t wait to get a head start……HA HA HA YEAH, RIGHT. I bought my textbooks three weeks before classes even started this semester, and that didn’t even encourage me to get ahead. They sat there, in a pile on my desk, collecting dust until I desperately needed to study for a midterm. Oopsies…. I don’t know about you, but people who can stay on top of their readings need a high five, and I don’t even want to think about how people are ahead of them. There are just so many other things to do. Maybe next semester, right?
2. Go to the gym
In our defense, it’s either forfeit sleep, study time, or dinner time to go, and that just doesn’t seem reasonable. Also, it can be a hike getting from one end of campus to the other, so you get your daily cardio anyways, right? And as long as class isn’t above the third floor of any building, the stairs are doable. Maybe next term, the gym can progressively be an option- go once a week, then twice, or never. We are busy people, kudos to you if you can make time for the gym during your hectic week!
3. Look good every day
I don’t know about anyone else, but I say this at the beginning of every semester. I’m going to wear a cute outfit, do my hair, and actually wear some makeup. This usually lasts about two to three weeks- I get through all of September if I’m lucky. When the weather starts to change, it’s just so easy to throw on leggings and a sweater. The more the semester drags on, the more the hair goes up in a bun. It’s always good to start the semester out strong anyways, and then get cozy.
4. Actually go to your prof’s office hours
I always say I will do it- but then class ends and I really want to go home for a nap. Believe it or not, your professors actually want you to do well, all you have to do is pay them a visit once a week and go over the material you aren’t sure of. Put your tuition money to good use- and while you’re at it, attend career seminars, post-grad fairs, and every coffee shop on campus. It’s never too late to take advantage of what your campus has to offer.
5. Take time for yourself
No…that doesn’t include going out four nights in a row, treating yourself to pizza three square meals a day, or spending your textbook money on Sephora sales. If you picked up your textbooks, did you put them down to read a book for fun? Because I didn’t, and wish I did. Did you forfeit a night out for a hot bath and a movie marathon? We get so busy and caught up in our busy lifestyles that we forget to slow down once in a while and rejuvenate. This is an important one for next semester- work hard, so you can relax once in a while.
So, what do you say we start with a blank slate next semester and try again?