It is a new year, new semester and a new you, right?
Winter break was for sleeping in, TV and Netflix binging, delicious home-made food and a relaxed laid back mode. It's time to shift the gears. The last thing on your mind was studying for winter semester after the hectic fall semester. Based on my experience as a college professor, I noticed getting into studying mode for winter semester is a way easier transition. It takes a little bit of kick to get into a serious study mode for the fall semester, but winter semester, you are already in an automatic mode, well-trained by the last semester.
Waking up early for morning classes or adjusting back to your classes is way easier after the fall semester as compared to summer. Normally, winter class sizes are smaller than the fall semester. The semester is shorter because of a weeklong reading break. If you think your winter vacation was very short, getting this extra week certainly helps. Friendships are already made; students are adjusted in their residence rooms, part-time jobs are taken, sports teams are full, so a routine is already made for this semester.
If you are one of those who are still struggling mentally and physically to get into studying mode after the syllabus week this semester, I don’t blame you! Finding motivation could be a lot of pressure to start. Go in with a positive outlook. Organize your desk and study material. Recycle your old notes, sell your old textbooks and throw away junk from binders. Having a clean and organized workspace certainly helps to get a relaxed and fresh mind that can be way more productive and efficient before you start studying.
Do spend some time in a physical activity that boosts energy and bring your mind back to sleeping early and waking up early. Drinking plenty of water also helps to reverse brain fog. Cook some extra food and freeze them in Tupperware for the times you have to depend on ramen during the semester. It will be hard to start with, but you can get through this. Remember, this semester will lead you a step closer to your ultimate goal, graduation. So, breath deep, study hard, exercise, stay organized, have some fun and stay motivated. You got this.
A very warm welcome to Winter 2019 semester!
Amna Khaliq is a Business Management Instructor at Northern Lights College. The views expressed are her own. She believes that kindness, smiles, love, and yawning is contagious. In her spare time, she likes traveling, cooking, reading and working out.
