Starting a new semester after summer is meant to be exciting for us. With new courses and schedules, a fresh planner, there is an opportunity to restart and have a whole new beginning. Nevertheless, this excitement can turn into stress when our syllabuses, tasks, jobs and other on campus activities start to fight for our time.
When returning to Monmouth University, getting back into an early routine, searching for parking spaces, walking to lecture halls, scheduling becomes challenging. There is a desire to change everything all at once but changing everything is not as effective as resetting oneself realistically.
I asked a new Monmouth Student, “What is the most overwhelming part of your experience as a freshman so far?” Anna Evans, 2030 biology student, said “I don’t know where to begin with all my classes, I feel like I have so much to tackle.”
This is what I have realized: The best way to start off is by looking at the current week and writing down a to do list. Rather than trying to schedule everything for the whole semester ahead, it would be better if I just wrote the first quiz, the first reading, the first meeting, and my first work shift, which are set dates. Then I would follow up by checking off every item I complete, it helps reduce any anxiety while helping me know what there is left.
An easy digital reset will also help prevent any information getting lost. My favorite part of every year is updating my google calendar. I like to color code every class, download the syllabus for each class to add deadlines and important dates. You can use a physical planner as well, but since I use my phone the most I find it very convenient.
The first week will also be beneficial to test your routine rather than assuming it should work perfectly. I find it helpful when I pack my bag and select the outfit I’m going to wear the night before school so I don’t feel like I’m rushing in the morning. If you find yourself with a lengthy gap between classes that can be filled with trips to the library or the Student Center on campus.
A spot for food and rest should be part of that schedule as well. The student center has great selections if you need to grab a snack or get lunch. There are also plenty of areas off campus to get something to eat.
A second component of resetting is determining what tasks need to be done within the first week. There is no need to add extra stress by participating in all clubs and taking up all invitations or finishing advance work too early. Having some time to spare allows for unexpected assignments, traffic, an extended class period, or just having some rest.
Create small goals for yourself each week, a single goal will help a student have a sense of success. The goal could be being on time, meeting a professor during office hours, or even completing the first assignment. The important thing is that it completes a small specific task without turning the whole week into a stressful one.
The social aspect of coming back can also be an exhausting process. While some students are eager to greet all their friends, others may need some time to adjust to the new atmosphere. All these are normal reactions. Greeting one friend from the class, participating in one campus activity, and having lunch with one buddy can be sufficient.
It is also helpful to remember that one hard class at the beginning of the term does not mean that everything for the rest of the term will be like that. At first, a professor will go through the entire syllabus and that can feel very intimidating, but realizing that it will be broken down throughout the semester will create less stress.
At the end of the week, you should be able to evaluate which plans have been successful or not. Maybe the trip to school took more time than anticipated, or a break on campus was beneficial or not enough time for studying was available due to work shifts. Now you can change it and apply it for the future.
Beginning a new semester does not require a perfectly planned schedule, perfectly organized materials, or even a sudden burst of motivation. It just requires enough organization to be aware of what is coming next without being rigid about it. The first week of class represents the beginning of the semester, not an assessment of how much you’ve gotten done so far.
