The month of January means a lot of things: a new year, endless snow, and the start of the spring semester. After a month of binge-watching Netflix series, it’s time to get back into the habit of balancing studying, working, eating, sleeping and socializing. Although the jump between break and school can be abrupt, organizing priorities and planning ahead is vital.
“This semester I would like to sleep more. I would like to go to bed earlier so I am able to utilize my day fully without being tired,” sophomore journalism and mass communication major Riley Eike said. As many college students know, sleep can be a hard thing to manage.
In addition to getting more sleep, Eike wants to try eating healthier meals. “Normally, I feel rushed to eat and I grab anything in the Hickey, but if I make my meals more balanced and get longer hours of sleep, I think that I will feel better and it will improve my semester greatly.”
Mary Frye, a freshman journalism and mass communication major, admits she procrastinated a bit during her first semester, but would like to change that.
“My resolution is to stop procrastinating and give myself more time to do my homework and study,” Frye said.
Frye also added that she wants to better her sleeping habits. “I’m going to try not to stay up all night, because then I end up taking long naps during the day.”
Freshman undeclared business major Tyler Gokey has a clear goal: to improve his overall GPA. “I want to get on top of things instead of waiting until the last minute. I’m going to study harder, and ask for help when needed.”
Both excitement and challenges are present at this time of year. “So far, I like this new semester. I have a good schedule, but it is vey different from last semester.” Eike said. “With that change, I have to make sure I change my homework schedule so I can still make the most of my time and get everything done.”
A new semester is different for everyone. For Frye, she enjoys being able to meet new professors and classmates. Eike similarly enjoys seeing new classmates and forming new friendships. She also acknowledged, “Everyone looks happier after a long break.” And for some students, like Gokey, the low-stress environment of syllabus week is enough.
