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3 First Semester Tips


As summer is drawing closer to an end and the Fall 2018 school semester is drawing near, chances are that you are viewing this blog in desperate need for new tips and ideas. As I can guess you are a either a student and or looking for great tips to help you get through this upcoming semester. Throughout my time as a college student I found that there is not a set of directions or handbook for learning how to do college the right way. Also, there is no direct schedule on learning how to adjust to a completely different life than high school so that means it is a lot of trial and error. As my college chapter is coming to a close I feel that my four years of figuring out what works and what doesn't can maybe help you the student get some perspective and direction on what will work for you.

Waking up by Engin Akyurt, Creative Commons 2.0 
  1. Consistent wake up time - Set an alarm about two or three hours before class time, this will help give some extra time to awake, get dressed, workout, and or look over notes if needed. This tactic is something I have always implemented when starting classes, if you feel well prepared to go to school chances are you are less likely to skip class. 
    • Buy a clock
    • Stay on a consistent wake up schedule even on the days you do not have class
    • Make a morning routine that consist of goals that will aid in making you successful   
  2. Get a planner! - Having a planner can help you quickly view homework assignments, quizzes, and or exercises. Taking the time and entering important dates or reminders in a planner will help organize what important dates and or even get an understanding of what the schedule will be like for the upcoming weeks. Planners can either be in a digital and or paper format, its all about what works for you! 
    • Obtain a physical and or electronic planner
    • Write down any important dates pertaining to your school success
    • Check your planner daily for new inputs or due dates that are coming up
  3. Fib to yourself- I found that in order to help me make due dates in a timely fashion I lie to myself. I tend to make due dates 4 days earlier than what is actually assigned. This tactic allows you to get ahead and be able to review and revise if needed. However, you do not have to stick to my 4 day rule, adjust to your own time and needs. 
    • Check syllabus for due dates and adjust your fib due date accordingly
    • Write down in your planner the fib due date and the actual due date
    • Allow for plenty of time to be able to check over your final work
Following these 3 simple steps can help everyone ease their first college nerves on feeling as if they have some sort of organization tactics going in within the first couple weeks of the semester. Even if you are not a first year student these tactics are still great to implement in your daily school lifestyle. However, everything really is based on what works best for you in order to succeed. Good luck on your college journey!

Question: What are some of your regular daily organization skills that can help aid in the upcoming Fall semester? 


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