Winter Break has come and gone. Some might be excited for new classes, a fresh start and having a routine again. Others, however, might be reluctant put forth effort into their school work and to get back in the habit of a college routine. If you fall into the latter category, here are some tips on how to ensure you have a successful spring semester.
According to study.com, one of the best ways to smoothly transition back into school work is to plan ahead in order to avoid as much stress as possible. Study.com recommends thinking ahead about any coursework and outside work, such as jobs or volunteering, so that you are prepared for the upcoming semester. Looking at syllabi from previous semesters or talking to your advisor about the workload for courses is a good way to gauge how much material to expect from new classes.
Another tip to help you get back into a routine is to avoid procrastinating on your work. While this is a daunting thought, since it is a tendency for many people to do assignments last-minute, staying on top of your work can cut down on stress and help you stay successful from start to finish. Setting a clear schedule with daily routines can aid you in staying ahead of the game. Other tips on keeping up with your workload include staying organized, setting achievable goals for yourself and taking appropriate breaks.
One way to keep on task is the Pomodoro technique, which was developed by the owner of a Berlin-based consulting firm, Francesco Cirillo. It is a time-managing technique that has you work for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break and repeat. Every four rotations, take an extended break of at least 20 minutes. This technique has received rave reviews from many news sources and business-related organizations, including the Harvard Business Review and The Economist.
It is also important to seek help as soon as possible if you feel like you are slipping behind or if you do not understand a topic in class. Take advantage of your professor’s office hours, and do not hesitate to reach out to them to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule tutoring sessions through the Learning Zone on campus for either individual or group sessions. Not only do they offer help for specific courses, but they also have writing mentors from the Writing Wing to help with any papers, from short essays to your final research paper. You can set up an appointment with them by visiting the Learning Zone in BSC 226, calling 717-361-1185 or emailing learningZone@etown.edu.
If you are concerned about keeping track of assignments, due dates, tests and papers, then consider using a time-management app. One of the top-rated apps, according to topuniversities.com, is myHomework Student Planner. This app allows you to track any tests, projects and other assignments through a calendar. It will send you reminders of when assignments are due. There are other, similar productivity apps available, so give one a try!
If an app is not your thing, try simply writing down all of your assignments, due dates, tests and projects on a traditional calendar and hang it near your desk. This way, you can get an overview of the month and what is ahead of you. This also will help you in planning ahead and avoiding procrastination. You should also invest in a planner so that you can write down weekly homework assignments and tests to study for, as well as any other important meetings or projects.
Finally, if you are feeling anxious about starting the new semester or keeping up with coursework, or if you feel more stressed than normal, reach out to Counseling Services. It is free to students currently enrolled and can provide mental health support services, including ways to manage anxiety and talking about factors that cause anxiety.
According to the American Psychological Association, 61 percent of students seeking counseling report that their main concern is anxiety. From that same survey, 49 percent of students reported depression, 45 percent reported stress, 31 percent had family issues, 28 percent were concerned with their academic performance and 27 percent needed assistance with relationship issues.
While staying on top of any work, it is important to think about your mental health and remember to go easy on yourself and set achievable goals. If you want to schedule an appointment, visit Counseling Services in BSC 216 or call 717-361-1405. If you need immediate assistance, or if it is after hours or over the weekend, call Campus Security at 717-361-1111 to talk to an on-call crisis counselor.
Though coming back to school from an extended break can seem intimidating and stressful, staying ahead of the game and seeking help when needed can set you up for a successful and productive semester.
