Is your New Year’s resolution to do better in school this semester? If yes, you have come to the right place. 

Whether you are a first-year student still getting used to college, a senior battling senioritis or anything in between, I have gathered my best tips for how to have a successful semester. 

Make it fun

It can be tough to try your best in a class you find boring. Lecture classes may cause you to daydream or you may have to take a class from that professor you are convinced hates you. 

The key to acing these classes is to make them fun, however, this can vary from student to student.

For example, I like to study in coffee shops to make my long hours of working more enjoyable. I get to sip a warm drink and get out of my apartment. This makes studying a more fun experience so it doesn’t feel so mundane and dry. 

Anytime I am given a choice to pick any topic for a paper, presentation or project, I pick something that excites and interests me. Don’t just pick the easiest topic or a topic you already know a lot about, pick something you can dive into that will make you want to keep researching. 

Buy notebooks in your favorite color. Listen to music while you work. Do whatever makes schoolwork more fun for you. 

Become besties with your professors

This may seem daunting, but it is incredibly beneficial to establish a good relationship with your professors. 

First, if you establish yourself as a kind and likable person, they are more likely to help you. I don’t mean professors give grades based on what they think of you, but I am saying that professors are less likely to give extensions, bonus credit or extra help to students who have disrespected them or are difficult to work with. 

Having a good relationship with your professors can also help them tailor the education experience to you. I have had professors send me articles, give me books and recommend research areas. This would not be possible if they didn’t know my goals and interests. 

Another way getting to know your professors can be beneficial is through recommendation letters. Whether you are applying to graduate school or a job, it’s hard for a professor to recommend you if they don’t know anything about you. 

Befriend your classmates

I spent many classes not knowing any of my classmates. When I have friends in the class, it’s usually easier to do well and more fun. 

If you are unable to make it to class one day, having a friend you can text to see what you missed is a game changer.  If something is confusing, it may be easier to ask a friend than the professor. If you both are lost, you can ask the professor together. 

Finally, having someone to talk to before class starts or to study with is nice. Plus, if the class ends up being a nightmare, you have someone to laugh about it with. 

General tips

You’ve probably heard these before but in case you need the reminder, here are some general tips for a successful semester. 

• Don’t procrastinate. 
• Plan ahead and keep track of your assignments. Some people use a planner or a calendar, I use a long note on my phone. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 
• Don’t skip class. I know it is easy but you are paying tuition, so you lose money each time you skip. 
• Have someone read over your papers before turning them in. The Writing Center can help you or you can ask someone else in your class. 
• Take advantage of tutoring on campus if you need it. It is covered by your tuition which means you are already paying for it. 
• Don’t cheat or plagiarize. It’s better to get a poor grade than fail the class or get expelled.

Good luck and have a great semester!

Categories: Life