Now that Winter Term is officially over, I have been eagerly awaiting the start of my second spring semester of college. I had a calm, restful Winter Term at home, where I learned how to crochet and took a lot of naps. Now, I am ready to jump back into campus life!
The beginning of a new semester brings a lot of excitement and nerves. Because of this, I have written about things I like to do to prepare for a new semester to ensure it runs smoothly.
1. Get familiar with your syllabi
Reading syllabi is a weird love I never expected to have before entering college. In the days leading up to a new semester, I’m constantly checking to see if the syllabi for each of my courses have been released. The syllabus for a course holds so much essential information and gives insight into whether or not I want to stay registered for a course. It can also be very exciting to read about all the interesting topics and materials that will be covered. Knowing the dates of important assignments and exams is beneficial for understanding what your life will look like for the next four months.
2. Schedules and calendars
Once you know what to expect from your courses, it's time to plan how you will manage everything on your plate. I use Google Calendar to manage my schedule, and I love it. It's helpful to map out all of your obligations, including class times, study times, sleep times, and other commitments. This is so you can make sure you have time for everything you need to do and can make adjustments if necessary. If you already have a schedule written or typed out before the first day of classes, it will be easier to change things around when new opportunities arise.
3. Goals and future
Although you don’t have to have your whole life figured out, it can be important when beginning a semester to reflect on whether your obligations align with your goals. Are you interested in the courses you’re taking? Do they align with your long-term academic and career goals? Is your current schedule manageable for an entire semester, or do you need to adjust it to avoid burnout? Make sure the ways you spend your time have a purpose.
4. Get to know professors
Within the first few weeks of classes, meeting with your professors, whether during office hours or through conversation with them immediately before or after class, can be helpful. If you build a relationship with them early into the semester, it may be easier to reach out for help if you are struggling later on.
Additionally, examining your professor's teaching and class style within the first few classes is essential to ensure it aligns with your brain and how you learn. Although the class material may excite you, the professor’s instruction style can make or break your experience with a course.
5. Take care of yourself
Try your best to develop good habits early. Creating a routine that allows you to get enough sleep and stay motivated is vital for a productive and successful semester.
Good luck, and happy spring semester!
