How to Set Yourself Up for Success Spring Semester

Now that you’ve completed your first semester of college, you know first-hand that success doesn’t happen automatically. It takes determination, hard work, and especially planning. Self-advocacy and good planning in the three main areas of academics, social life, and life balance will set you up for success this Spring.

Academics

Your academic life is one of the most important aspects of college. Take these simple steps to ensure that you are giving yourself the greatest possible advantage.

• Make sure your accommodations are in place. If you have any questions about them, contact the Student Accessibility Services office at your school as soon as possible.
• Identify good places to study. This might be in your room, in the library, or some other quiet space where you know you can focus your attention.
• Consider using noise-cancelling headphones or other tools that can help you focus.
• Review your schedule. Make sure you are enrolled in the most appropriate classes for your needs and your major. Considering dropping or adding a class during the Add/Drop period.
• Build some diversity into your schedule. Make sure your classes are varied enough so that you are not taking all writing courses or all labs. Find some balance among easy courses with high interest and more challenging courses.

Social Life

Your social life is an important aspect of your time at school. Supportive interactions with your peers can influence your overall academic development, increase your knowledge acquisition, and boost your self-esteem.

• Did you join any clubs in the fall? If you enjoyed them, continue with them in the spring.
• If you did not find a club you liked in the fall, create a list of five interesting clubs and commit to trying them out.  
• Research possible study groups. Ask your friends, ask your classmates, or start one yourself. Studying together is an excellent way to build a lasting friendship.

Life Balance

You will enjoy more success when you find a good balance among healthy activities and self-care.

• Get enough sleep. A good night’s sleep will boost your memory, increase your emotional intelligence, and enhance your creativity.
• Stay hydrated. The brain and heart are 73% water! Drinking enough water each day is crucial to body temperature, keeping joints lubricated, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping your organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves your sleep quality, cognition, and mood.
• What helps you regulate? Whether it’s meditation, yoga, running, ballet, or jiu jitsu, find the activity that helps you feel grounded and practice it regularly.
• Make sure to schedule in time for fun.