Whether it’s your first year in college or your last, it’s easy to lose focus once the spring semester rolls around. Thoughts of warm weather, spring break, and attending social events make it easy to lose track of your assignments and class requirements. Here is a list of some of the most important ways to stay on track and set yourself up for success in the spring semester.
- Attend your classes.
Attending all your classes to the best of your ability is essential for academic success. Of course, it can be difficult to attend every meeting due to emergencies, missed alarms, and even just not having a good day. Despite all these circumstances, keeping up with class meetings is the only way to ensure that you are caught up on all class materials and can ask questions as needed. Keep in mind that when you skip classes, you’ll spend even more time later trying to catch up on missed work and improve your grades. Plus, many professors only allow a certain number of absences before docking your grade.
Vicky Nnaemek, a sophomore nursing student, said, “No matter how tired I am, I usually end up making it to all of my class meetings because it would be too hard to make up old work on top of all of the new materials I am given on a daily basis.” - Take advantage of campus resources.
The number of daily emails informing you of campus resources aren’t sent for no reason. Take advantage of every resource possible; they’re here to make your life just a little bit easier. If you’re not the best writer and are worried about the grade you’ll get on a paper, make an appointment with Writing Services for help on editing your paper. If you’re not doing well in a math class but must pass your next test, there is always a tutor available to help you do your best.
Amiya Carroll, a freshman exercise science student, said, “During the fall semester, I utilized Writing Services for a few of my papers and doing so allowed me to receive higher grades on my papers.” - Stay organized and
disciplined
This one is a lot easier said than done, but keeping yourself organized and disciplined is the main way to keep up with your academics. Build a schedule around your classes for studying and getting homework done and keep all of your homework and assignments sorted properly. Keeping a clean backpack and dorm, or car if you’re a commuter, can also help you conquer the rest of the semester with a clear and organized space and mind. - Participate in your classes, no matter how much you don’t want to.
The main reason you should participate in class is because more often than not, your professor will make it a part of your grade. No matter how small 5 or 10 percent of your grade may seem, it does make a difference in the end. Participation is also a good way to ensure you understand class material. Plus, it’s more fun and engaging to be a part of the conversation rather than staying quiet all class. - Step out of your comfort zone.
Refusing to take risks and remaining sheltered, in any aspect of life, will hinder you from reaching your goals and growing as a person. You can only grow if you’re willing to take the necessary steps to move forward as a person. To do so, you must become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Not only does staying in your comfort zone prevent growth, but it conditions you to settle. Your expectations for work, your studies, friendships, partnerships, and more become collateral in the battle between you and your comfort zone.
Chris Mckittrick, Director of Counseling and Prevention Services, said, “The first step in stepping out of your comfort zone is identifying where your zone ends. When you notice a boundary and a hesitation, pausing to determine the nature of the anxiety is helpful (and it is often routed in fearing the unknown or worrying that we will get hurt). Then, identify previous situations in which you felt a similar way and remember how you navigated that situation; often, there are transferable skills that will remind you of your strengths and ability to broaden your scope. Talking this out with a friend, advisor, or counselor can help.” - Network and make
connections.
The power of networking and making connections is truly underrated. You never know who may or may not be connected to an employer that you’re trying to get in touch with, an organization that you are trying to be a part of, or a professor whose class you would like to request to join. Put yourself out there and make new friends and connections—it will get you farther than you think. - Check in with yourself and prioritize your mental health.
This one is a lot easier said than done, but knowing when you’re in need of a break is one of the most important and vital things you can do for yourself. Everyone experiences burnout at one point or another so when that time comes, be sure to listen to your body and mind and take the time that you need to get back on track.
If things become too overwhelming at any point, remember that the school offers free counseling services to all students. Never be afraid or wait too long to call and make an appointment. As important as good grades and social activities are, your mental health will and should always come first.
