Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is here! Everyone’s back in school and it’s time to switch gears from vacation mode to the classroom. It’s not an easy transition going from sleeping in and watching TV all day to waking up early and going to classes but here are a few tips to get you ready for school again.
1. Go to bed early – If you have been going to sleep late every night over the holiday, then you need to re-train your body to wake up early. So, make sure that you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep every night. You don’t want to look like a zombie in class!
2. Set your alarm – This may seem like a no brainer but getting eight hours of sleep doesn’t necessarily mean that you will wake up on time. So, make sure your alarm is loud and far away from you and do not practice hitting the snooze button. Wake up! Your vacation back home should’ve fully recharged you!
3. Be organized – Go to class prepared — so make sure to bring your book bag or folder, laptop, notebooks, pens, etc. with you from home. Create a system of organization and stick to it.
4. Get to know your new professors – Now that you’re in new classes, it’s important that you make yourself known to your professors. Build a great relationship—it will help you learn better in the class, especially if there is something you do not understand.
5. Do the required reading – You will feel more prepared for class if you do the assigned reading. Plus, there’s nothing worse than getting called on by your professor and not knowing the answer.
6. Pay attention in class – Don’t fool around with your cell phone, ipod or ipad. Make sure to listen to what the professor has to say and use whatever technological device you have to take good notes, if not in a notebook. Remember, it’s always good to engage yourself in the class and ask questions.
The first few weeks back will be the hardest, but if you apply these few tips the transition shouldn’t be that difficult. Just picture the future and keep your goal in mind – the road to success is not a straight path, it’s long and windy but with drive, determination and motivation, you will succeed. So, now that your fully recharged, stay on that school path and keep on track!!!
