Final grades were posted, winter break has come and gone and already a new semester is upon us. The spring semester seems to move faster than its counterpart, so it’s important for students to make the most of their time and utilize the resources available. As we enter 2016, check out these tips to help you have a productive and smooth semester.
Organize: Know your schedule and where your classes are located. If you need to use the buses, the Wolfline schedules are available on the Transloc app. Organize your planner at the beginning of the semester. It helps to print out the syllabuses, especially if the professor provided a semester schedule. Take the time to write in the dates of major assignments, exams, extracurricular activities and other obligations. This alone will help you manage your schedule better and stress less. Accounting for important dates allows time for adequate preparation and eliminates the possibility of an exam or assignment surprising you.
Start early: Procrastination hinders more than helps. Be wary of underestimating the weight of assignments. An assignment may appear to be easy, but if you’re not on top of the material it will take much longer. If you usually put off assignments until the last minute, use the upcoming semester to make a habit of completing your tasks early or promptly. It may help to create daily, to-do lists.
Make your health a priority: Take an hour out of each day to relax. Engage in an activity that takes your mind off of everything, whether it’s working out, watching a TV show, reading a book or coloring. Integrating an enjoyable break into your schedule gives you something to look forward to and will help you return to an assignment with a fresh outlook. Similarly, try to get proper rest and be sure to take advantage of NC State’s Student Health Services.
Get involved: Join a new club or activity you wouldn’t have considered before (maybe even Student Media). NC State offers a variety of organizations, and it’s never too late to get involved.
Use campus resources: Professors have office hours for a reason. Don’t be afraid to go to them. If you need clarification on a topic or have questions, professors are usually more than happy to talk with you. Additionally, the University Tutorial Center is available for several 100- and 200-level courses. If you haven’t already, find a suitable place to study on campus with minimal distractions. It can be helpful to establish a study group. If you’re commuting, try going to the library between classes while you’re already on campus. The Counseling Center offers career counseling and assessment instruments if needed.
Finally, recognize what you need to improve on from the previous semester; learn from your mistakes.
