How to Survive the First Weeks of a New Semester

For many college students, classes have either already begun or will begin in the coming days. While some feel well equipped to begin the new semester, others are battling the pressure and nerves that have started to set in as winter break comes to a close.

The first few weeks of every semester are always hectic, stressful and sometimes confusing, but there are a few things you can do to make the beginning of this semester a little less frenzied.

1. Come to class prepared.

Beginning the semester unprepared can leave you scrambling to catch up after just the first day of class.

Since many professors begin lecturing on the very first day of class, coming prepared with your textbook, pencils, paper and other needed supplies is a must.

Not only can being prepared help you to stay on track, but it can also make a difference in your ability to focus and be successful in your first assignments of the semester.

2. Ask questions.

Most professors go over the syllabi for their courses on the first day of class, and while they may be lenient when it comes to attendance and other matters for the first few days, they will often start to crack down on class policies by the start of the second week of classes.

If you aren’t sure about course requirements or assignments after looking over the syllabus, asking questions early on is critical.

Not only can this save you from feeling frustrated and confused for the first few weeks of class, but it can also help you avoid getting on your professor’s bad side.

3. Find your classrooms ahead of time.

Even if you’ve been going to the same school your entire collegiate career, you may be taking a course this semester that’s located in an unfamiliar building or classroom.

If this is the case, take some time before the semester begins to refresh yourself on the campus layout and search for any unknown course locations.

Once you have found all of your classes, walk through your class schedule for each day of the week to ensure you’ve found the quickest and easiest route to each of your classes.

4. Don’t overcommit yourself.

The first weeks of every semester are often filled with welcome back events on campus. From free movie screenings to festival-style outdoor events, the first weeks of a new semester provide several opportunities to make new friends and catch up with old ones.

While it is okay to participate in these activities, attending every single activity while also attending all of your classes can leave you with very little breathing room.

Finding a comfortable balance between social events and classes is key to making sure you can start the semester off on a good note.

No matter what the first few weeks of the semester brings you, implementing these tips can help ease you into a regular routine that works for you.