Survival Tips for Second Semester

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Adjusting to college doesn’t stop after the first semester. There are many new things to learn while you progress throughout your academic career. As a freshman, you’re only just beginning to learn how to manage life on your own. This impacts your academics, living space, finances, and even your social life. How can you make the most of your college experience when you’re trying to keep track of everything? The following tips will help you out during your second semester.

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 Learn From The Past

The first step to surviving the second semester is to reflect on the first semester. Looking back on your first experience handling a college course load will help you understand how to improve future semesters.

It’s very likely that you had many new and varied experiences. You’ve met many people from different walks of life. Your social life has probably changed since graduating from high school. You might have started a new part-time job or completed your first load of laundry on your own. It’s time to reflect on how you handled these new experiences.

First, focus on the positive. What went well during your first semester? Maybe you enjoyed taking a class on a new subject. Maybe you met a group of friends who like to meet for lunch at the dining hall. Maybe you found a quiet corner of the library that helps you focus when studying. It’s important to know what went well so that you can prioritize these aspects of your life. Next time you register for classes, explore the subject you find yourself interested in. Tell your new friends about how you enjoy spending time with them. Build a study routine that includes the spot where you’re most focused.

Next, think about what was difficult about your first semester. Were you disappointed in your grades? Did you find it hard to pay attention in class? Are your study habits effective? Have you made new friends? If you could change anything about your first semester, what would it be? Don’t feel discouraged. By getting specific, you can figure out solutions to these problems.

Get Organized

Now that you’ve reflected on your previous semester, you have an idea of what works well for you and what areas you’d like to improve. Since college involves so many different commitments (classes, friends, family, jobs, networking, professional development, sports, chores, etc.), you must get organized.

Everyone has a different way that they like to organize themselves. Learn what is most effective for you. Creating a personalized organizational system is a great way to stay on top of your coursework and get the most out of college.

Some people rely on planners. Others prefer a daily To-Do list. Some like to use pen and paper. Others prefer an online calendar. Some follow a strict color-coded system. Others prefer convenience. Think back to your reflections about the first semester and prioritize whichever system works best for you.

Use Academic Resources

During your first semester, you probably found your campus overwhelming and maybe even intimidating. Every building was new, and you might’ve felt out of place trying to find new classrooms on the first day of class. By the end of the semester, most new students have developed a strong routine. They know their way around their dorms, dining halls, and academic buildings.

By the second semester, it’s time to explore everything else your campus has to offer. Colleges and universities have a large amount of resources available to their students. These offerings can help you with your academics, health, and social well-being. Sometimes, they’re free or provided at a low cost.

Common academic resources are peer tutors, writing centers, office hours, and study rooms. You can also book time with a librarian to help you go over research material. Often, there are social-emotional resources available as well, like counseling, student organizations, and free events.

These resources are there for a reason. Take advantage of them!

Join New Clubs

Adding more to your plate might sound stressful, but student organizations can be a major stress relief. By joining a club, you will have designated time to socialize with your peers, partake in a hobby or a good cause, and de-stress! Many students find that they make strong friendships with the people they meet in student organizations.

In addition, you will develop skills that will be useful to your academic and professional careers. Student organizations lead to strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills. As you develop these skills, you’ll find that certain aspects of your course load will become easier. Student organizations are a great opportunity to develop practical skills while you socialize and have fun.

Take Care of Yourself

You might be feeling a lot of pressure, but remember that your well-being comes before everything else. It’s important to get full nights of rest; no all-nighters are worth your health. While it may be tempting, don’t overdo it with partying and drugs. Eat three varied meals a day and go to the doctor when needed. Finding healthy ways to relax is important, too!

College is a big learning experience. Not only are you learning subject matter content, but you’re also learning so much about your personality, work habits, preferences, and more. Remember to give yourself grace as you go through it!

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