I can’t believe Spring Semester is already here! Whether you’re a new student or returning after a much-needed winter break, everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to start fresh. Although this is my last semester here at QVCC, I’m excited to share a few tips on how I set myself up for success each semester.
Get Organized
Getting organized is always my go-to method to being successful. A quick and simple way to plan is to make a list of the classes you’ll be taking and write down the supplies you’ll need for each (notebooks, loose leaf paper, pens, highlighters, etc.). Personally, I like to keep my supplies organized – normally color coded – so that I don’t have to scramble to find something last minute for a class.
Planners are also a huge help. I am a person who uses one religiously. It’s a really helpful and easy way to keep track of homework assignments, appointments, work schedules, and to-do lists all in one place. Plus, it feels great to cross things off at the end of the day. (It’s the little things…right?) If you are someone who easily forgets what you have going on, get a planner!
Develop Attainable Goals
Developing goals is key to keeping yourself on track and knowing what you want to get out of the semester. The goals that you set can be small or large but they need to be realistic. For example, a small attainable goal could be something like having good attendance in all of your classes or turning in your homework assignments on time. A large attainable goal could be getting a certain grade in a class, or participating every day during class time, which can be intimidating for some students. Be specific about your goals though. If your goal is to participate during class time, you should say, “I’m going to raise my hand at least once during class.”
Write your goals down! Having goals for the semester and checking in on them throughout the semester will keep you on task and remind you what you are working for.
Make Connections With Your Professors
A good way to start the semester is to make connections with each of your professors in the very beginning. That way, they know who you are and know that you are invested in their class. It’s a great opportunity to make a good impression right off the bat so that the professor can remember you. Once you develop a connection with a professor, it makes it easier to ask for help, participate in class, and enjoy what you’re learning.
Schedule “Me Time”
Scheduling time for yourself is crucial to keeping your stress levels low and keeping yourself focused. As college students, it can be hard to prioritize your own self-care on top of your academics, work, and extracurriculars. Self-care prioritizes your mental, emotional, and physical health – you can choose which ones you may need to concentrate more on. If going to the gym every afternoon makes you feel less stressed, then do it! If a cup of tea helps you to wind down at night, then try that! Maintaining these habits gives you something to look forward to every day and keeps you in a routine, which is always a bonus.