Before the semester starts, it’s usually accompanied by a mix of excitement and nervousness! It’s kind of like New Years because we get a fresh start. We have the opportunity to set goals and dream about what we’ll do differently this time before the semester starts. I’ve created this list based on my own personal experience both in college and in veterinary school. It helps me set the right mindset for the semester rather than just jumping in without any preparation on the first day. I hope these help you for your upcoming semester!
1. Before the semester starts, decide on your classes, extracurriculars, and any goals you have for the semester.
Are you looking to apply to grad school? If so, what pre-requisites do you need to take this semester? Do you need to work this semester, and if so, how many hours? Do you want to learn a language in your free time?
If relevant, make sure to include:
Courses
Job
Clubs
Lab Time
Exercise
Hobbies
2. Upload your schedule to Google calendar.
You should try to include as much information as possible before the semester starts. Start with your courses. Then, add any times/events that you know you are busy. If you aim to workout 3-5 times a week, put in the times you plan to workout. If you work certain days at specific times, put in your work schedule.
3. Buy a planner before the semester starts.
In your planner, make sure you have enough space to include school tasks, personal tasks, and hobbies before the semester starts. I mention hobbies because if having a goal of reading each night is important to you, you should make sure you’re paying attention to the number of times you’re able to do this per night. If you don’t include these, you might quickly forget that this hobby is something you want to devote time to with all that is going on. You can also put in a space for expressing gratitude. Your planner doesn’t have to be stress inducing. Instead, looking at it should make you feel less stressed by having a handle on everything you’d like to accomplish. As far as recommendations, I am in love with the Happy Planner. It’s customizable, affordable, and has pretty designs!
4. Download syllabi.
Your syllabi will have all pertinent information including contact information for professor, office hours, and due dates. Store your syllabi in a place where you know you’ll have easy access to it. Highlight important information like due dates, textbooks/supplies, grading break-downs, office hours, and contact information before the semester starts.
5. Upload due dates into your calendar.
It’s never too early to know when the final exam is or when a paper is due before the semester starts. It will help keep your mind at easy if you set these dates up ahead of classes starting.
6. Buy textbooks and supplies.
You should find this information in the syllabi. Be sure to see what edition of the textbook the professor is asking for. Try to shop these items second hand if possible to save you money.
7. Reach out to students who took the course before.
Ask students who have already taken the course for their advice. If they did well, ask what went well for them. If they did poorly, ask them what they think went wrong. This will give you a better of idea of what approaches might work best for you before the semester starts.
8. Determine your study strategy before the semester starts.
You can base this off of what has worked well for you in the past, what has worked well for previous students, or a mix of both. Write out your approach for each class before the semester starts. Put this plan up somewhere you can easily see it like on your wall next to your desk. For example, for my upcoming physiology course, I have:
-Day before lecture: read lecture notes
-During lecture: write on lecture slides
-Evening after lecture: Create a study guide based on learning objectives but use active learning
-Weekend after lecture: Create Quizlet for drugs I need to memorize
9. Organize your papers/computer.
If you’re more of a binder or notebook person, make sure you have set up a system to divide sections for notes versus assignments. If you rely solely on your computer, set up folders for each class. Also, be sure to clean up any old files on your computer to free up space as well as update your computer before the semester starts.
10. Develop a mental health strategy.
If things get overwhelming, you should have a go-to plan in place before the semester starts. This could be as simple as planning that if you feel overwhelmed over an assignment, you take a 20 minute walk. Or if you’re experiencing burnout, you have a special kind of tea or playlist set aside to help lift your mood. If your mind is happy and healthy, you will do better in school.
