I have a checklist that I follow before the start of every college semester. It’s like my own personal recipe for an amazing college experience – part fun, part adrenaline, and lots and lots of hard work.
One of the highlights of every semester is definitely the pre-semester shopping for school supplies. I absolutely love it – from picking the perfect planner to finding super cute pens and highlighters.
I’m always on the lookout for new organizational tools and ideas, so even if I don’t end up using them for the current semester, I can always save them for later.
Related: How to Create the Perfect Student Planner: “I’ll Show You How!”
First, I start with the basics – making sure my supplies are all in order.
Pens and highlighters? Check!
Notebooks and folders? Got ’em!
Laptop charged up and ready to go? Of course!
Then comes the fun stuff like stocking up on the snacks and drinks I’ll need to get me through those late-night study sessions.
Popcorn, candy, and coffee? You bet!
Related: College Student Backpack Edition: What You Need & What You Don’t
Once I’m sure I have everything for class, I turn my attention to the social side. Coffee dates with friends, visits to the campus art gallery, and movies on Thursday night? You know it! Every semester is different, so I make sure to leave plenty of time for spontaneity and new experiences.
Next, I take a few minutes to review my class schedule and make sure I’m prepared for each day.
Do I need any textbooks or other materials? Is there a syllabus I need to review? What kind of projects am I going to be doing? All these questions get answered on my checklist.
Related: How to Score Cheap College Textbooks: Tips from a Frugal Student
I also have a little pre-semester tradition where I write down all of my goals for the upcoming months and what I actually want to do with my upcoming semester.
This year, I’m taking it a step further and creating SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). This way I can easily track my progress toward my goals and make sure that I’m staying on top of everything I need to do.
Related: Dream Big and Write it Down: Harnessing the Power of Goal-Writing
I also make sure to schedule some downtime and make sure that I’m taking care of my mental health and not becoming a zombie in the process of getting those A+ grades.
Once I’m done checking off my I-am-going-to-kill-it-this-semester list, it’s all about the execution and putting in the hard work to make my vision a reality.
10 Tips for Having the best College Semester ever!
It is time to put your best foot forward and make this semester one for the books. Want to know H.O.W?
Here’s a list of tips and tricks to help you get the most out of college this semester.
1. Make a list of all the things you did wrong the last semester
Make a list of all the things you did wrong during the last semester and come up with a concrete plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Think about what areas you struggled with, such as time management, procrastination, or taking on too much at once. Then strategize a solution for each of the issues.
Related: 56 Ways to be a Productive College Student: A Glimpse Into an Ultra-Productive Life
For example, if you had difficulty staying on top of your studies, try setting up a study schedule and rewards system for yourself. Or if you had trouble saying “no” to too many commitments, practice setting boundaries and learn how to prioritize tasks.
Remember, being accountable for your actions and setting realistic expectations is the key to success.
2. Productivity, organization, Multi-tasking and overachieving should be your keywords
Productivity, organization, multitasking, and overachieving should be your keywords when it comes to having an epic college semester.
Get organized by creating a study schedule and sticking to it. Try mapping out when you’ll complete your assignments and readings, as well as when you’ll take breaks. When making your plan, make sure to factor in class time, extracurriculars, and any other commitments you have.
Related: How to stay Organized in College: 9 Tips to Help You Conquer the College Chaos
Having everything written down will help keep you on track. Plus try breaking down big projects and tasks into smaller chunks so it’s easier to tackle – this will help you stay on track.
Prioritize the most important tasks and set deadlines in order to stay motivated.
Keep a calendar to track your progress, or use an app like Trello to organize your tasks and tasks in progress.
Related: Get Ahead of the Game: 6 Best Free Online Planner Apps
Finally, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone – you never know what amazing opportunities and experiences you’ll open yourself up to!
3. Create the Perfect Study Schedule and stick to it
Creating the perfect study session routine isn’t rocket science – it just takes some dedication and a few smart tactics.
First and foremost, make sure to find a study space that works for you. Whether it’s the library, your bedroom, or even a corner cafe, it should be somewhere that you can concentrate for long periods of time without distractions.
Then, come up with a study plan and stick to it.
Related: Break the Monotony: Here’s How to Achieve a Perfect Study Session!
Schedule breaks into your routine, but don’t let yourself get too distracted – try setting a timer for each task.
Take notes during lectures and readings, and remember to review them afterward.
Lastly, don’t be afraid of asking for help when you need it! Reach out to your professor or tutor, and you’ll be one step closer to getting those A+ grades.
Related: Getting The Most Out of Class: The Best Note-Taking Tips for College Students
4. Find your tribe to tackle the College Overwhelm: How to have the best college semester ever?
College can be overwhelming at times, and having a group of friends to turn to and rely on will make all the difference.
Related: Dive into the Social Scene Already! (How to Make Friends in College)
Start by attending campus events or joining a club that interests you. You can also introduce yourself to classmates in your classes – chances are they’re looking for friends too. Once you’ve found a few folks to hang out with, be sure to set up regular group study sessions.
Not only is it great for sharing notes and getting help with assignments, but it also helps you make deeper connections.
Plus, the occasional brunch date or happy hour never hurt anyone!
Related: Breaking Out of Your Shell: How to Overcome Shyness in College
5. What do you want to achieve this College Semester?
Set realistic, achievable goals for yourself and strive to reach them.
Break down your long-term goals into smaller milestones that you can work towards over the course of the semester.
Think about what would make you feel proud and accomplished by the end of the semester; it could be anything from getting an A grade on a project to completing a course of interest on the side.
Make sure your goals are SMART – that is, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Related: Dream Big and Write it Down: Harnessing the Power of Goal-Writing
4. Cut out the frozen pizza and start stretching those muscles
Eating healthy and exercising regularly are keys to maximizing concentration and energy levels throughout the semester.
Start by stocking up on nutritious snack options like fruits and nuts for when cravings hit. Also, make sure to get enough sleep – a minimum of seven hours is ideal.
Related: How to Eat Healthy in College When all you Have is Ramen Money
Try to establish a regular sleep schedule and practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding screens or caffeine before bed.
Finally, find a form of physical activity that you enjoy doing – whether it’s yoga, running, or playing sports, getting your heart rate up will keep you energized and ready to tackle the semester.
Bottom line: don’t forget to make healthy habits a priority – they will pay off in the long run!
Related: How to Fit a Healthy Workout Routine into Your Busy College Life
5. Get into the habit of Journaling to get a better perspective on life
Journaling can be a great way to get perspective on life and gain insight into your thoughts and feelings.
Start off by setting aside time each day to write down your reflections and observations.
Related: How a 5-Minute Journaling Routine Can Help College Students
Choose a journaling method that works best for you – it could be bullet journaling, traditional writing, or even digital notes. Whenever you feel stuck, try writing about a positive experience or practice gratitude journaling to shift your focus.
Additionally, it could be helpful to look back on your entries from time to time to see how far you’ve come and identify areas of growth.
So, give it a try and see the effects it has on your life! You may just find that you have a newfound appreciation for all of your experiences.
Related: 43 Daily Journal Prompts to Unpack Life as a College Student
6. Find the time to read: Words have the power to change you
Words have the power to change your life! Reading is not only a great way to learn and grow, but it’s also incredibly relaxing! So find the time to read and let the magic begin.
Set aside a certain amount of time each day for reading – it can be 20 minutes, an hour, or whatever works best for you.
If you find yourself struggling with scheduling, try using an app like Reading List to help keep you on track.
Remember to pick a book that truly speaks to you – don’t be afraid to try something new!
8. Become a pro at Time Management: Balance social life, Relationships and your demanding College Schedule
Managing your social life and relationships while in college can be a bit of a juggling act – but it is possible!
First things first, set realistic expectations for yourself and your relationships. This will help you avoid the dreaded ‘college overwhelm’.
Second, plan ahead – if you know of an event coming up that you want to attend, make sure you’re prepared ahead of time for any potential assignments or projects.
Third, schedule time for both studying and socializing. Set aside time for both, so you never have to choose one over the other.
Related: How to Balance Social Life with Schoolwork: A Guide For College Students
To sum it up, having an epic college semester is all about productivity and organization.
From staying on top of your tasks to taking the time to read and relax, find out what works best for you and leave behind what doesn’t. Try creating your own checklist and give it a try!
You just may be surprised at how much progress you can make.📚😊
“Here’s to a new semester of coffee, books and late nights – with no regrets!” 🤗☕️📚
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