semester success. ᥫ᭡
[ 3 chapter mini series ]
in this series, i’m going to teach you all my helpful tips and tricks on how to succeed in the new semester in just 3 quick chapters! get ready to take notes, we’re diving right in!
chapter one — THE STARTING WEEK
the first week of a new semester can be daunting. how the rest of your semester will go depends on how your first week starts. so let’s make sure we start the semester on the right foot!
class is in session …
୨ৎ — the week before
if you can start preparations at least one week before the start of the new semester, do it!
here’s what you can do:
monday & tuesday - gather all your supplies
the basics…
backpack / school bag
folders / binders / notebooks / planner
pencil case / pencils / pens / highlighters
laptop / tablet / tablet pen / chargers
essentials…
textbooks / required materials
personal care & hygiene products (i.e. deodorant, perfume, lip balm, hair ties, hand sanitizer, feminine products)
headphones
in case you’re missing a few extra supplies, be sure to go and make those necessary purchases! create a checklist if you have to!
wednesday - check student email
be sure to check your student email for any new updates from your teachers/professors! you also want to make sure you give yourself a solid amount of time before classes start back up to keep checking for updates and/or important announcements.
** from this point up until the day before your new semester starts, keep checking your student email. i recommend checking at least 4 times per day! once in the morning around 8-9am, twice in the afternoon around 12-1pm & around 3-4pm, and then once more at night around 7-8pm!
thursday & friday - plan for the first week
grab your planner (whether it’s physical or digital) and take some time to plan out your first week! make note of what classes you have on what days & include the times those classes start, write down any important non-school related appointments/events that you have during that first week, and be sure to include time during that first week where you can rest and relax.
saturday - review syllabus & double checking
take some time out of your day to read and review each of your class’ syllabi! make sure you read through them thoroughly and highlight any important dates that show up in the course semester schedule. i also recommend highlighting your teachers’/professors’ contact information, and if they have office hours be sure to make note of that as well!
also, let this second-to-last day before the start of the semester be designated for last minute preparations. double check that you have all your supplies, check your student email again, and just make sure you complete everything else that might be on your to-do list.
sunday - relaxing & decompressing
the final day of your break before the semester starts should be used to just rest and relax. treat yourself kindly on this day; pamper yourself! do skincare, treat yourself to a cozy day in, watch your favorite show or movies, journal! do something that makes you feel at ease and makes you feel happy! it’s important to have a day where you can just relax and only focus on relaxing.
you might also want to ease your mind by doing some last minute cleaning and reorganizing! starting a new semester with a refreshed study space/room (whether it be an office or your bedroom) can help alleviate some stress that might still be lingering. refresh your space and clear your mind!
this little schedule might not be the exact one you follow, and that’s okay! i made this as an example of what you can do & what your week before might look like!
୨ৎ — academic weapon style
get dressed up for your first week back! wear the clothes that make you feel confident and that help you set the tone for yourself.
gather inspiration! dress like your favorite academic icons! hop onto pinterest & look for style inspo for different characters like…
rory gilmore
hermione granger
meredith grey
cristina yang
elle woods
spencer hastings
blair waldorf
cristina yang , blair wladorf , spencer hastings
୨ৎ — create a consistent morning & night routine
it’s important to have a routine, especially in the morning and at night. having a routine that works for you and your schedule will help smooth any rough edges that might come up during your semester!
go to sleep & wake up at the same time every day
incorporate self care/hygiene routine in the morning and night
include health & wellness aspects (journaling, morning yoga, etc.)
make your bed as soon as you wake up
set aside time to unwind/time for yourself
୨ৎ — chat with/get to know your professors
the first week is all about figuring out the vibe of your class, so get a feel for your environment and who your professors are! you will be working with them for the next 16 weeks!
use this time to ask questions, let your professor know a little bit about you, and take notes on what your professor asks from you and your classmates during this semester.
after you’ve taken the time to review the syllabus prior to classes starting, write down possible questions or concerns that you can bring up to your teachers!
before you’re dismissed …
take on the first week with your full strength! create that good first impression for yourself and set the path for your incoming success!
with lots of love, faustina 🌷
