A Fresh Start to the Semester
It is always challenging to return to school after such a long break, regardless of where you spent it. The idea of migrating from class to class and absorbing multitudes of information on a daily basis is enough to make anyone feel overwhelmed. Yet, we all know that the one place that we spend the majority of our time once we leave school is our “home” away from home (whether a dorm, apartment, or house). A great way to start out the semester with a fresh new outlook and “blank slate” mentality is to first create a fresh start with where you live. How can this be accomplished? Well, there are actually several ways:
- Try to rearrange your living area. Having a new perspective and atmosphere can help reinforce the concept of starting the semester anew and keep things positive.
- Get rid of old class papers and notebooks and store supplies you won’t need for the upcoming semester. This will help to put the past classes behind you and keep you looking forward to what’s coming.
- Develop a list of goals for yourself for the new semester and post them somewhere you are sure to look. This will provide extra motivation and guidance as you approach your semester tasks.
- Attempt to establish order. Plan with your roommate(s) what sorts of ground rules should be in place for the semester (based on the kinks you discovered during the first half of the year). Try to ensure that everyone has a say in what “flies” around your place and what the expectations are.
- Instigate a pre “spring cleaning.” Get rid of the dust, debris, and nasty remains of the last semester that may still be lingering around the room. That way, you have nothing to distract your attention and you have a living space that feels “new,” just like the next half of the year.
Most importantly, clear your mind! Promise yourself that you will be patient and confident in your abilities and that you will be able to handle the challenges of a new semester and overcome them. After all, when it comes to achievement, the only person that controls whether or not you attain your goals is YOU. So get out there and own it!
