By: Sofia Randazzo
Preparing for a new semester of college is scary. It’s like the first day of school all over again; new classes, new people, getting lost on campus and even having to start a new routine. I know after a month-long holiday break it is very hard to get back into the swing of things – it was even hard for me. But the way I prepared made things go much smoother than moving back to college and starting new classes feeling unready.
Look over your upcoming classes
I know looking at your next semester’s classes during break is not what we want to do, but it is necessary. The week before school started back up, I had to force myself to look at my classes and write down where they are, what time they are at and build a tentative schedule around them. If you look at your classes the night before school starts, it may leave you unprepared, and even more anxious.
Make a schedule
Making a schedule is what keeps me intact. On the notes app on my phone, I wrote down the exact times of every single one of my classes (and clubs!) and worked my free time and homework around it. If I had one hour gaps between classes, I would know that is a good time to go home and have a quick meal. After my afternoon class, I would know it is time to go to the gym. If I had a three hour gap between my class and my club, that would be the time made for homework. Sticking to a strict schedule day-by-day and week-by-week will keep you organized and all around less stressed.
Mentally prepare
This seems pretty obvious, but it may not be for some people. I know it is hard to think about going back to school while being on break, but not mentally preparing for what is coming ahead is what causes more anxiety down the line. During break, I had many sleepless nights worrying about moving back to school and basically starting over. The anxiety and stress is almost inevitable; but there are ways to lessen it.
Meditating is a great form of relaxation that can calm the body and release your stress hormones. Once a day for 30 minutes I would meditate and listen to zen music to take my mind off school. If you worry about the future just like me, this is a great skill to have when wanting to focus on the present.