The second semester of any year is when the lack of motivation starts in college students. However, it is important to stay motivated all the way up to your last final. We have some tips on how to help you ace your second semester! These tips will make sure you finish well, and make sure you enjoy your summer! You can learn more here.
1) Do stay organized from the start
A messy living space can perpetuate equally messy academic habits. Don't shrug off the unpacking process; though it seems tedious and unimportant at your return to school, your neatly unpacked and stowed away possessions will allow greater thinking space in your dorm room. Clutter often prevents productive work, so aid your academic progress with a tidy environment.
2) Don't empty your wallet to buy brand new textbooks
Tuition often excludes the cost of books, and a semester's worth of textbooks can amount to far greater than the cash you received from your babysitting gigs over break. Rather than squandering $600 and depleting your savings, rent textbooks when possible, or purchasethose marked "used." You can start off the semester a bit less broke than the last.
3) Do give the Student Club/Activity Fair a second chance
If the excited bustle of fall semester left little room for non-academic activities, begin your pursuits at the spring semester Student Club/Activity Fair. Now that you know how much necessary time to allot to your studies, sign up for a few campus organizations to try something new or satisfy the hobbies you deserted in high school. Join a club soccer team, audition for an a cappella group, or participate in a volunteer program. Not only will you feel fulfilled, but a more structured schedule often encourages productive schoolwork.
4) Do attend the first week of classes
Yes, these courses can still be dropped. But how can you be sure they are classes worth replacing if you don't attend the first week of lectures? It is tempting during this period of relative academic lull to spend long evenings out with friends, and consequently sleep through your series of morning alarms. However, getting acclimated to your schedule early as well as keeping up with homework will assist your later success.
5) Don't abandon your New Year's Resolutions
This semester, pair academic health with physical health. No more candy bars at 2:30 a.m. while you're hunched over your chemistry textbook, or sugary cereals for all three meals. Stick to those New Year's Resolutions that you established a few weeks ago; set aside time in your day to work out at the gym, and incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. Just because you have new obligations at school doesn't mean you have to renounce those you planned over break.
6) Do reserve time to reconnect with friends
Academic and extracurricular focus is important, but don't forget to enjoy yourself. During college, social endeavors are arguably as significant as academic. Be sure to see the friends that you've missed during winter break - just don't waste inordinate amounts of time. Ask them to pursue those New Year's resolutions with you, and catch up while jogging the track or bicycling at the gym.
7) Don't disregard offers to meet with your academic advisor
Although classes have just begun, it is never too early to seek help from your advisor. Any inquiry about scheduling, switching majors, or satisfying credits is better off being solved ASAP. Don't allow your small questions to become monumental issues.
8) Don't form hasty judgements of your professors
You remember that professor from a previous semester - the quirky intellectual who spoke too quickly and seemed to assign an abundance of reading. Didn't your immediate narrow view of that prof cloud your ability to find the silver lining in the class? Enter this semester's classes with a clear, open mind and disregard bitterness; students tend to excel at what they enjoy.
9) Do learn from past experiences
You have been blessed with at least one semester's worth of knowledge regarding the ins and outs of surviving college. Don't repeat past mistakes: scrambling out of your dorm five minutes before class begins, attempting to write the entirety of an essay the night before it is due, consuming six cups of coffee in one day, etc. Amend unhealthy behavior and emphasize constructive habits.
10) Do keep a positive outlook
You've done it all before. Late night readings and early morning classes may seem close to impossible after a month of mental relaxation, but just remember that you possess all of the abilities to accomplish the challenges of this semester. It's easy for apprehension and stress to weigh you down, so be sure to frequent study locations that are conducive to calm and productive work - like a quiet corner of the library.
