How to LOCK IN!
August was a month to remember! We celebrated the start of the semester with events like Big Nite, Club Fairs, and more. Everything was fine until BOOM—classes began. Suddenly, your to-do list is filled to the brim and you wish it was still summer! If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work you have to do, you are NOT alone. We’re here to provide some organizational tips and study habits that will help you be the true “Academic Weapon” you can be. Here’s how to lock in for the semester…
Write it ALL out!
Take a pen and a piece of paper and write down the classes you’re taking. THEN—allot blocks of time for doing homework each day! That way, you won’t have any excuses for not finding time to complete it. Feel free to also write down blocks of time to eat, shower, work out, rest, etc. It’s important that we prioritize those needs, too!
Put your phone away!
Unlike this cute baby in this GIF, put your phone away during homework time! If you have good self control and trust yourself to not pick up your phone, simply putting your phone on Do Not Disturb could work! Personally, if I see my phone, I’ll want to pick it up. So if you’re like me, I suggest giving your phone to your roommate or putting your phone in an inconvenient place (for me, it’s my closet!)
When putting your phone away, be sure to set breaks in between working. That’s the time you can let yourself go on your phone.
Hold each other accountable!
Find friends in your classes who can keep you accountable! When you want to skip class or not complete an assignment, check in with your group of friends. If they’re as supportive as Joey and Ross, they’ll continue to keep you motivated. And you can keep them motivated as well! Additionally, host study sessions with those friends. Go to the library, Wine Spectator Lounge, or even each others dorms and STUDY!
GO TO CLASS! (no, seriously)
When coming to college, people often urge you to not skip classes. It can be annoying to hear over and over BUT it remains true. If you skip class, you’re more likely to continue to skip class. This is because you see only the minor repercussions of skipping class and don’t see the harm in doing it again. DON’T DO THIS! Your grade is going to suffer at the end of the year, and there’s always the potential of flunking the class, especially if attendance is graded.
Don’t forget self care!
Remember that schedule we talked about writing down? Jot down some time blocks for self care as well. As a college student, it’s easy to put self care on the back burner. However, if you’re not prioritizing self care and overworking yourself, you’re going to get BURNT OUT! And a burnt out college student means your grades will suffer as well. Take some time to do things you LOVE! Watch your comfort movie, cook with friends, take a walk to the lakes… There's so much to do on our lovely campus!
Remember: you are a student, but you are a PERSON first. So work hard in your classes, don’t procrastinate, and leave time for self care! You got this, friends!!! :)