5 Ways to Prepare for the Fall Semester

1. Get familiar with your schedule

Adjusting to your daily schedule is one of the most essential parts of being a put-together student! I’m sure you’ve already forgotten what classes you registered for, so pull out that schedule and try to envision what this semester will look like for you. When will you have time to study? Work? Exercise? Do extracurriculars? Get a trusty planner and figure it out.

2. Get organized

Let’s be real, you’ve probably blocked out all thoughts of school this summer—I don’t blame you! Save yourself the stress at the last minute and figure out what needs to be done before you start school again. Do you know what you need for your dorm/apartment? Do you have notebooks, pens, pencils, folders? Are your textbooks ordered?

3. Get back on a schedule

Unfortunately, your daily schedule at school is probably more demanding than the summer schedule you’re on now. Try to get your sleep schedule on track—staying up until 4 a.m. won’t fly when you have an 8 a.m. class, and you know it. You’ll thank yourself on your first day of classes when you can actually pay attention instead of falling asleep.

4. Get some goals in place

Sometimes a semester can feel like a tough marathon. In the midst of all the craziness of exams, studying, quizzes, and group projects, try to have some goals to look forward to so you can stay focused. They could be as short term as “I want to go to the gym twice a week this semester to be healthier” or as long term as “I want to get a great job in my field in my favorite city after I graduate.” It’s always helpful to have reminders of why you’re doing what you’re doing.

5. Get in the “school” state of mind

Attitude is everything, especially when it comes to schoolwork. Prepare to be back on campus by mentally easing your way in—maybe start reading a little more (you could get a head start on some of those textbooks), or start planning your approach for certain classes little by little. This helps me feel more mentally ready for the semester rather than feeling like I was thrown into the madness.

From all of us at Indiana INTERNnet, good luck on your fall semester!