As a college administrator, I always have mixed feelings about the start of the semester.
I can’t wait to see students again, because students are why I have my job.
However, I wish summer was longer because I have so many more things to do before the semester starts.
I know I will survive the days with up to ten advising appointments, but I’m also not mentally prepared for them.
And I, as always, wish that I could just pack up and leave the country for an extended period of time.
(That last one never goes away, to be fair.)
Does this sound familiar, students?
Are you also feeling a little stressed about the start of the semester?
Are you excited about seeing your college friends, but anxious about how you know you will feel two weeks into the semester?
We get it.
Before you stress too much, here are some tactics for you to arrive back at school refreshed and as ready as you can be for a new beginning!
1. Get some sleep.
No but really.
You know that it will take you some time to adjust back to college.
From study sessions to all-nighters to parties to coffee dates to catch-up time… Who needs sleep?
Catch up on your shut-eye now!
Try going to sleep earlier, shut off your phone (or just put it in airplane mode), and treat yo’self.
Even if you have a summer job, prioritize sleep so you can go back to school refreshed.
2. Finish anything you can before the semester gets crazy.
There are so many things to finish. Application essays. Volunteer applications. Internship requests. Work study forms. Financial aid information.
Take it from me – do as many of them as you can before the semester starts so you don’t miss a deadline.
Many study abroad applications, for example, are due around October.
If you get your application done before school starts, that’s one less thing to worry about when you suddenly have a million due dates for homework.
Kindly don’t miss those study abroad deadlines. We really do want you to study abroad :).
3. Set goals.
What do you want to accomplish this semester?
Maybe you want straight A’s.
How about finally learning how to cook.
Perhaps joining an intramural team sounds fun.
No matter what you do, make sure that your goals are SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Like “By the end of the semester, I will have earned an A- or better in all of my classes abroad.”
And then determine how you will achieve those goals.
If you are studying abroad, make a list of your “must-do” things, and some “dream big” things. You only have a few months to cram in a lot – prioritize them now!
4. Get organized.
Whatever organization system works for you, get back into it before you head back to school.
Organization is the key to achieving your semester goals.
If you need a new notebook or agenda book, get one.
Or if you like using an app, get it set up.
And if you prefer winging it, plan out how to wing it.
You do you. But just do it.
5. Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small.
Especially when you’re stressing about returning to campus for the semester, be kind to yourself.
Celebrate completing your summer job.
Applaud yourself for saving money for the semester.
Cheer for making your bed for three days straight.
Commend yourself for getting your study abroad visa.
While I don’t advocate breaking the bank for your celebrations, maybe taking yourself out to a coffee is a nice way to celebrate.
Just don’t forget to treat yo’self.
6. Connect with family and friends.
Especially if you are heading to a different state, location, or country, make some time for those you love.
Schedule as much time as you can, and try not to bail even if the weather is bad. Or if your cat puked on your shoes. Or if your car breaks down.
There’s only so much time we can enjoy with those around us when we’re not swamped with school!
And no, it was not a coincidence that I put family before friends.
And for goodness sake call your mother.
7. If you know your classes, see if you have any pre-work.
If you are a freshman, you probably had required reading. Make sure you read that.
If you are returning to campus, your professors might expect you to read the syllabus. And they might find it fun for you to read two books prior to the first class. Check that.
If you are studying abroad, you probably don’t have too much pre-work. But you have to pack up your life for a few months, so there’s that.
Just make sure to check everything so you don’t start off your semester needing to catch up.
8. Don’t think about school for 24 hours.
Now that you’ve panicked about all the work you have (yep, you looked at the syllabus), put it away for 24 hours.
Avoid school email.
Don’t look at any syllabi.
No organizations, sororities, fraternities, campus groups, teams, or anything.
Just be present where you are.
Give yourself a break while you can.
9. …But then make a packing list.
This is important for those heading to campus, and absolutely essential for students who are studying abroad. Check out recommended packing lists, and don’t forget the important things that you might not think about:
- Toiletries
- Duct tape
- Lamps and lightbulbs
- Safety pins
- Locks (for your bag, bike, computer, gym locker…)
- Power strips or travel converters
- Underwear
- Photo and poster hanging strips
- Everything else your mom insists that you bring (just humor her)
And with that, you should be prepared for a wonderful semester!
What do you usually do to prepare for the semester? Is there anything you always forget to pack? Share in the comments below!
Related:
Checklist: Things to Do During Your First Week Abroad
How to Write a Kick-Ass Application Essay
5 Reasons Why Students Don’t Study Abroad
Study Abroad Guide: Preparation Phase
How to Find the Right Program for You
When to Start Planning for Study Abroad