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The beginning of a semester brings excitement with new classes and new opportunities. But it can also be the most challenging time. Many are still in vacation mode—be it from a long summer break or a quick winter hiatus—and struggle to transition into the demanding pace of college life. The temptation to procrastinate can lead to falling behind and getting caught in a never-ending cycle of catching up. To avoid this, it’s important to settle into a good routine right from the start. Here are eight ways that you can create a system that works for you and ensures a great year ahead:
1. Get Ahead Early
It’s never too early to start planning and establishing organizational habits. Start by transferring all of your assignments and upcoming deadlines from your syllabi into your planner and review it regularly. Whether it’s an old-fashioned paper planner or a digital calendar, taking the time to map out all of your major assignments, quizzes, and exams early can help you stay ahead of all of your work.
Don’t forget to also add other important dates like birthdays, dinners, and work schedules. This way, you’ll be prepared for exams and can still enjoy last-minute dinner invitations without added stress.
2. Set Goals
Setting goals is one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable during the semester. It gives you direction, purpose, and something to celebrate when you complete it. The easy part is setting them, but it’s not always clear how to achieve them. Take some time and think about what you want to achieve academically, socially, and personally. You may consider creating SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
3. Get to Know Your Professors
Don’t wait until there is a concern to reach out to your professors. Introduce yourself on the first day of class and build a connection. Find out their office hours, and extra credit opportunities, or ask about other clarifying questions you may have. Whether you want to know about a specific assignment or project, or you need assistance with the course material, it’s always best to seek help as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute might prevent you from completing an assignment or project on time.
4. Set a Realistic Schedule
It is important to recognize your boundaries early on so that you avoid overcommitting. Start by making sure your schoolwork comes first. Put your academics at the top of your to-do list before scheduling anything else.
However, remember that college is about balance. Be realistic when planning your weeks. Just as you make time for studying, don’t forget to set aside time for relaxation, sleep, and hanging out with friends so you don’t burn out quickly.
5. Develop Good Study Habits
You’ll want to nail down good study habits to avoid those last-minute all-night study sessions or rushing to finish assignments at the eleventh hour. To do this, start making time management your best friend:
- Set aside blocks of time dedicated to studying, reviewing, and completing assignments.
- Break bigger tasks into smaller, doable ones to help them feel less daunting. We all know the feeling when you realize you should’ve started that research paper ages ago.
- Study with classmates! Meet some peers from class and schedule study dates. Not only does it keep you accountable, but it also adds a social element to your study routine. Turn it into a fun hangout—grab dinner together and then hit the library for a few hours. It’s a win-win! If you can’t meet in person it’s easier than ever to connect through apps like WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and Zoom.
6. Make Time for You
Don’t overlook the importance of self-care while you’re in college. This is the time to explore your interests, meet new people, and develop skills that go beyond textbooks and lectures. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it’s reading a good book, going for a run, or meeting up with a friend for coffee. Be intentional about the time you schedule time for yourself. Your “me” time should be enjoyable, so make it count.
7. Outline Your Budget
Along with time, it can be easy to lose track of your expenses. Creating a budget with your income and expenses clearly outlined will help you stay out of debt. There are a lot of expenses in college, whether it’s textbooks or bills. You don’t want to suddenly find yourself out of money for the month, so keep track of your finances with a budget sheet.
8. Get Excited for a Fresh Start
A new semester is beginning—it should be exciting! It’s a time for setting new goals and starting on a clean slate. You might have ambitious plans for this semester—so, why not aim high? This fresh start gives you a chance to embrace what lies ahead!
You are in control of your semester, so start it off right by establishing rhythms that work for you. With the right approach, there’s no doubt you’ll have a successful semester.
Wondering which school you’ll thrive at? Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to find colleges that are a perfect match for you!
