Coming back to school after winter break can seem like the worst thing in the world. You were just getting used to sleeping in and being lazy when the time to return to campus finally arrived. But coming back to campus and to class doesn’t have to be painful! Here are a few ways to take on the new semester and get off to a great start:

  1. If you’re like me, your study playlist is your savior during crunch time. Take a little bit of time to update the music! Add that band that you kept meaning to listen to, and get rid of those songs that just get on your nerves. Be sure to include the songs that give you that boost that’s necessary to finish some late-night reading or homework. Just enough variety in the playlist will keep you focused but not distracted while you study.
  2. Sometimes, it seems like the second semester takes a while to get going. Even though there might be a little less to do at the beginning, there are still plenty of things to try. Letting yourself get bored this early will leave you unmotivated for the rest of the semester. Make a point to leave your dorm sometimes, even if you’re just going to get dinner with your roommate(s). Make yourself available to try anything that might come your way! (But don’t forget to actually do your homework!)
  3. Since you’re going to make yourself a little busy this semester, you might as well be organized in style! The New Year means it’s time for a new planner. Start the semester off by being as organized as possible—write down your every commitment from classes and homework, to events that you want to attend. This way you can make sure you have enough time to do all you want while keeping up with your coursework and sneaking in the occasional nap.
  4. Spread that organization to your living space too. Maybe you aren’t usually the neatest person, (I know I’m not!) but taking a little time to pick up your room or wash dishes more often than you did last semester will be better for you and your roommate(s) in the long run. When you don’t have to trip over mismatched shoes or books left on the floor, you have so much more room for Just Dance parties or pizza nights in your apartment.
  5. Take on a challenge! Don’t let yourself become complacent with your past successes, use this semester to try something completely out of your comfort zone. Take a class that interests you instead of one that could be an easy A. Try sticking to a new workout routine at the CAP or strive for perfect class attendance. You can do it!