Tips for starting the spring semester on the right foot

By Riley Dauber

Lifestyle Editor

After spending over a month away from campus, many students may find it tricky to move back into their dorms and start studying again. Everyone is used to lying about the house, spending time with family, or even sleeping in until the mid-afternoon.

Fortunately, the first few weeks of class provide students with plenty of time to readjust to being back at Washington College. New classes and a lighter course load to start gives everyone the opportunity to find the schedule that fits their semester plans.

The following tips are guaranteed to provide some additional help as you return to your everyday routines.

Develop A Schedule

For some students, the real joy of starting a new semester is organizing their physical planner or Google Calendar. Both platforms allow them to see their class and work schedule for the next few months.

The State University of New York recommends “mapping out a manageable course and study schedule” as well as creating a routine that you can stick to throughout the semester.

Whether you prefer a paper or a digital planner, start by writing down your classes. If you work a part-time job, include those hours as well, along with any sports or extracurricular activities you may be involved in.

Once everything is placed in the schedule, you should be able to see when you will have time to get meals, study, and spend time with friends. If you need to, designate specific times during the week when you want to complete assignments; these decisions may also change throughout the semester as tests and essays loom.

The benefit of maintaining a planner is that students can organize it based on their specific needs. Some may include to-do lists, while others will simply use the monthly and weekly calendar features.

Regardless, a designated schedule will help you keep track of your classes and other commitments, as well as assignments and other tasks you may need to complete.

Your Syllabus Is Your Friend

The first week of classes — usually referred to as “syllabus week” — is a great time to figure out your semester schedule. Not only will you know which classes you are taking and where they are located, but you will also learn what to expect from each class.

Hopefully, your professors will not start teaching material on the first day; the majority spend at least some of the first class period going over the syllabus. For some students, the syllabus may seem like just another piece of paper, but it is essentially your guide for the class.

St. John’s University recommends reading through the syllabus and taking note of upcoming readings and assignments, like tests, essays, and final exams. Having a physical reminder of when these assignments are due will help you remember the dates and prepare in advance.

Some professors also outline the entire semester, and transferring this schedule to their own planner may be beneficial for some students. Keeping track of upcoming assignments will guarantee you do not miss anything.

Along with a semester schedule, the syllabus may also include specific assignments details, so you will know what to expect when it comes time to write the first essay or take the first test.

Find Time For Yourself

After a relaxing break, it can be difficult for some students to start working and studying right away.

While you should still spend some time focusing on your coursework, try and dedicate a portion of your day to an activity not related to school.

According to The University of Virginia, “Don’t forget to always put yourself first, stop when you need to, close the book or the computer for a break. Practice…any activity that allows you to think about absolutely nothing. This will help you concentrate on what’s important, and you’ll be much more productive.”

Whether it is going to the gym or watching a movie with friends, so long as you are giving yourself a break, you are guaranteed to feel a little less stressed.

Or, if you find that you have more time in your schedule this semester, try a new activity or hobby. The Rose O’Neill Literary House offers printshop workshops, including Introduction to Letterpress and a Books Art Workshop. You could also try an intermural sport on campus, specifically basketball.

Many shops in Chestertown offer some fun options as well, whether it is choosing some art supplies at The Finishing Touch or picking up a new book at The Bookplate.

Regardless of what you choose, balancing work with some fun activities or time with friends will help you relax and readjust to the spring semester.

While these tips may help you successfully start the spring semester, you also know which methods will work best for you. Most students have a preferred method of organizing their day-to-day schedule, but if you find that your current layout is not working for you, try a new organization format. Switch from a digital planner to a physical planner, or write down when you want to study and when you want to take a break. Any type of organization will help with your return to campus this spring.

Photo by Riley Dauber.

Photo Caption: Reading through the syllabus will give you a better understanding of the upcoming assignments and the professor’s expectations.

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