The beginning of a new semester can be difficult for many people, it doesn’t matter if it is your first time in college or if you are returning student. Here are five simple tips to get you through the beginning of the semester in the best possible way.

• Time management

When you are in college, you are basically an adult, and we all know school isn’t the only thing that makes up our lives. We have jobs, sports, social life, etc and it can be a hassle to find time for all of those things. This tip isn’t just good for the beginning of the semester but it’s good AT ALL TIMES.

Managing your time wisely is the most important thing you can do when you are in college. If you have a job, don’t try to take six classes and work full time, sooner or later you will realize there isn’t enough time for both. Remember that it isn’t just about going to school, you also have homework, projects, and tests to study for. There is not enough time in a day to do everything, you have to sleep at some point.

•  Meet With a Counselor

The best way to know if you actually need a class or what class you should take is by talking with a counselor. Meeting with a counselor can save you a lot of time and stress. You don’t necessarily need to have a specific counselor, but it helps you even more. Get to know a counselor and make an Ed Plan for future semesters. It is the best way to be prepared for what classes you need to take in order to reach your goal. Remember that the counselors are there to serve you, and it is easy to get in touch with them. You can walk in at almost any time, but that usually takes longer because there are others who have the same questions as you. The best way to meet with a counselor is to make an appointment at the counseling office, you can do it at any time.

•      Know Your Professors

Do you want to know what the class will be about specifically or have any questions? Talk to your professor. Your professor should be the number one resource you should go to when you have a question. They know their class better than anyone.  If you have any questions about the class, don’t be shy to talk to them. Getting to know your professor can bring you a lot of advantages. Many professors need interns or teacher assistants, that can be really good practice for whatever your major is. 

• Parking

Let’s be honest, parking during the first weeks of a new semester is the worst.  Sometimes it takes hours to find a single spot, everyone is trying to park in the same lot, and before you know it, you are late to class. The best and most simple thing you can do is get there a few hours earlier. Being there early will give you a big chance to find a parking spot.

•  Read Carefully

The syllabus in a class is like the bible. It has everything you need to know about the class. It contains everything you’ll be doing throughout the semester, important dates, test days, contact information and more. If you miss a class, you will know exactly what you missed and it will be easier to stay on track. It also contains the best way to get a hold of your professor for any questions that you may have.