When the semester starts, there’s a lot of stuff going on. There are welcome events, RA meetings, classes and the works. You’ve also got to stress about how to balance everything while trying to make and maintain friendships. Frankly, when something starts off as a disaster, it can be hard to regain footing and make everything stable again.
It’s got the potential to be overwhelming and kind of a mess. But, there are a few things you can do to help set yourself up for a successful semester.
1. Keep your expectations realistic.
Namely, don’t assume the “leave your door open to make friends!” concept is going to work flawlessly. It may not work at all. Don’t assume you and your roommate will be best friends or that your friendship with him or her in the first, scary month of college will last beyond that. Sometimes that kind of stuff will work, but don’t put all of your hope in it.
2. Buy the books you need early.
Don’t start off the semester with the attitude of not needing to get books or do the reading. In some cases with some courses, you won’t use the books much at all. But, don’t assume that for every class. Buy the books early unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t end up needing them. A lot of people advise the opposite, but you never want to be that kid behind on assignments or mooching someone else’s book because your last-minute Amazon purchase is still being processed in the mail room.
3. Take notes on readings and do the assignments (at least at first).
Start off doing your very best, most intense note-taking and assignment-completing. And then, figure out how much of it is truly necessary. For example, in my psych class I highlighted and then took notes. Later, I realized it was just as helpful for me to just highlight without taking notes from my textbook. Start out doing the most and then cut it down if possible. Sometimes you just need to do the most and for other classes, you might just be able to do the bare minimum and still get straight As.
4. Work out a planning method that works for you.
I say this all the time! Planners aren’t for everyone. Perhaps to-do list apps are your cup of tea. Maybe you like a digital calendar or the Reminders app. If a planner isn’t working, find something else. Don’t feel obligated to keep using it if it just isn’t helping you remember assignments.
5. Organize your desk and backpack.
Realistically. Create a system that’s practical and one that you can keep up with.
6. Establish morning and night routines.
When will you shower? What must get done before bed or when you wake up? Will you premake breakfasts? How will you wind down? These are all things worth factoring into your routine. Again, make it realistic. It’s probably not realistic to say every night you’ll do a face mask and read a book for half an hour, but it might be good to set aside ten minutes before bed to read while wearing a face mask.
7. If something isn’t working, change it ASAP if possible.
If your schedule is a disaster from week one, see if you can change it. If your planning method isn’t working, change it. If you’re late for some classes, change it! Anything that isn’t working perfectly is worth tweaking when possible.
Also read: Things to do the first week of college before classes begin!
8. Be friendly to your professors.
Okay, don’t be that person who goes up to every professor after class and says “Hi! I’m X and I’m so excited to be here! I just wanted to introduce myself!” As much as it’s suggested to you, it’s also really kiss-ass-y and cliche. Wait until you genuinely have something to say or inquire about. Maybe after the next lesson mention your interest in that specific subject. Or, go to office hours and ask your professor about their field. Introducing yourself isn’t going to help you create a great relationship with your professors, it’s just going to be a little slightly awkward moment in most cases. If you’re going to do that, have something from class or the field you want to discuss.
9. Set your alarms to go off every week.
Instead of worrying about setting your alarms the night before and whatnot, set them to go off “Every Tuesday” or “Every Monday, Friday.” Whenever you have classes, make sure your alarm is set in advance. This will eliminate any excuses of sleeping in or forgetting your alarm. I do this for every day of the week on the first day of school.
10. Set your alarms earlier than they need to be.
At first, do this. This can help you figure out how long it really takes you to get ready and get to class. If the time you set works, keep it. If you have extra time to kill, set the alarm a little bit later until you find your sweet spot. Personally, I would set my alarms super early for the first week and gradually make it later until I had a chunk of getting ready time I was comfortable with. Giving yourself enough time to get ready and as much sleep as possible is sure to lead to a successful semester.
