Preparing for a New Semester in College
The art of ‘preparation’ is all about the mindset and willingness to get things done sooner than later. I can promise you that your long-lost friend, procrastination, will pay a visit sometime soon but, for now, productivity should be the name of your game.
In my eyes, preparing for college isn’t always about buying things for a dorm/apartment or reading up on your soon-to-be classes. A lot of the time, the little things turn out to reign most important once the semester begins, leaving you wishing you took care of certain pesky tasks before arriving...
So, with that said, let’s get to it.
1. start visualizing your day.
Of course, I had to start off with a point that somehow relates back to being more ‘productive.'
Yes, I'm about to suggest that you get your planner ready. No, I’m not a planner freak (although I wish I was).
Getting organized for the first week of class will either jump start what may become a habit or, at least, ease your mind when it comes to remembering your schedule.
Another thing I personally love to do before the semester begins is to look at my campus map to plan out my route. This includes determining which class I’ll walk to, when, and which bus routes I may need to use.
Quick Tip: Don't undermine the convenience of buses on a college campus! Learn them and love them.
2. start making better decisions, now.
Making better decisions may not seem like an actionable point, but I promise it is and, undoubtedly, one of the most important.
This includes training your mind to take better care of yourself (working out/eating better), waking up an hour earlier than your normal ‘summer sleep-in’ time, and even reading more (whether it’s blog posts, articles, or books).
Once you either land yourself back into the college world or start a new chapter as a freshman, your decisions will decide how your semester will go.
Make better decisions in August so you can actually enjoy December. #CollegeStudentProbs. (That’s definitely a “tweetable”)!
Make better decisions in August so you can actually enjoy December. #CollegeStudentProbs Share on X
3. start downsizing.
On August 19th, I'll be moving my 30+ bins and bags of junk into my new room. Will it be fun? No. Do I regret owning so much nonsense? Yes.
If you see downsizing as an important step in preparing for a new semester, good for you. If you never thought to look through your things before packing them, I urge you to stop while you're ahead.
I’ll keep this point short because it’s self-explanatory. Get rid of the clothing you know you’ll never wear. Leave that pretty statue or huge decor piece at home. You don’t need every bag, pillow, and picture frame you own. Let it go, and at least act like you're on a minimalist journey for your own sanity come May.
4. start thinking about financials.
I wrote a money-related post awhile back called, Managing your money in college, and I’m extremely happy with how helpful it has been for other students! (Check it out to get even MORE info than what I can share in this post).
One major sub-point is to consider applying for a credit card or checking account if you don’t already have one.
Many universities have a bank of choice, like Wells Fargo for my college, which allows students to access that bank on campus and use the ATM’s free of charge. If you’re not interested in committing to that just yet, it’s okay, but I can assure you that credit and financial responsibility are two words you’ll need to know soon.
Another point is to start budgeting in whatever minor way possible. If you’re not already aware, college is expensive (duh, right?) With or without loans, the daily lifestyle of a student may include buying coffee, food, paying organization dues, entertainment, and gas if you have a car. So, again, get in the habit of checking your account on a daily basis to keep up and improve your spending habits.
Quick Tip: To lessen the load a bit, I would suggest saving money spent on textbooks by renting through the incredible rental/tutor site, Chegg. This is one of the only resources I use each year, with thousands of textbooks in both hardback, paperback, and e-book form with discounted prices up to 90%!
5. start somewhere.
Start accepting that not everything is going to go as planned.
Start visualizing who you want to be, but haven't yet become, and work towards transforming into that person.
Start loving life’s good, bad, and ugly because not everything that’s good helps us grow.
Start allowing yourself to feel every emotion, no matter how silly or weak that seems.
Start promising yourself the best in life, rather than mediocre.
Start dreaming and working, seeking and discovering.
Start somewhere, and never stop.
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Thanks for rocking with me, and if you’re new welcome to the family! I have a YouTube channel that you’re invited to check out and an email inbox that’s patiently waiting for your questions, comments, and inquiries of any sort.
Live Intentionally, my friends, and cheers to a new opportunity to do better.
