The start of a new semester brings mixed emotions. First comes the thrill of getting out of the house and away from the routine of work, plaguing summer. Next, the realization classes are starting brings back the annual anxiety of homework and studying for those pesky quizzes. One of the greatest challenges any student can face though is finding the motivation to get the gears turning for a productive start to the school year. Here are a few tips to help you get moving in the right direction:
- Stay organized. This goes for work in class, dorm space and most importantly, in your head. Keep a planner updated with homework and section off classes so papers don’t have a chance of getting mixed up. If you keep your laundry folded and your living space clean, you eliminate an excuse to procrastinate. Above all, take baby steps each day towards goals. Working hard has more to do with how well you manage time instead of how much you can cram into one night.
- Get involved. Take time to join a club or a team. Try something unfamiliar; the more adventurous the better. Some of my best times in college have come from being a part of things I never thought I could do. You don’t see my social anxiety getting in the way of the events I host through the Student Planning Committee. I have a blast meeting new people and being weird (something my younger-self would dread). None of this would have happened if I stayed in my comfort zone.
- Have fun. Any student knows how overwhelming school can be. Try to have a good time when you can. See what’s going on around campus instead of sitting in your room on a Friday. There are always fun things to do, especially early in the semester. If there isn’t something you’re interested in, find a friend and get some food. They most likely need a break from studying too!
If these tips sound obvious, remember what it can be like to be drowning with work. That’s the time to take a deep breath and either hunker down for the storm or take a quick break before diving back in. As Dory always says, “Just keep swimming” until one day, you may just look back and miss the time you could have been living to the fullest.
Theta Chi's Rally in the Alley 8/24/2018
I really enjoyed reading your blog Luke! I think your ideas are great advice for not only incoming freshman but college students in general. Interacting with others and escaping your comfort zone is always challenging but as you mentioned it can make a huge difference in your college experience. Since I know you, I can confirm that joining Theta Chi really helped you make friends and become a part of something special. You are one of my best friends and you always know how to help me get through every situation that I face. It's like Dory said, "Just keep swimming!". Keep living life to the fullest buddy!
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