Now that the spring semester has begun and we’re all – hopefully – back in study mode, it’s important to stay grounded and in focus. Spring can often become a stressful time for many college students, especially for those preparing for graduation or those who plan to transfer and are counting on their spring grades to boost their GPA.
So rather than pulling your hair, we have compiled a list of tips to surviving the spring and maintaining your sanity.
Plan ahead
Invest in a planner and write down assignments, upcoming tests and due dates. In addition, plan your schedule for the week, including setting personal deadlines to have work done. Prioritize: if you know you have a speech Monday morning, don’t party hearty and hardy on Saturday night and think you’ll get it done on Sunday. Chances are you’ll be too hung over to even practice your speech.
Stick to your plan
It’s easy to disregard plans — why do you think so many people forget their New Year’s resolutions? Rather than leaving your planner in that hidden pocket inside your backpack, take it out as soon as you get home and check up on your plans. And, of course, follow through. Sticking with your schedules and completing your tasks on time alleviates a lot of unnecessary stress, and you’ll be doing your body a favor by finally getting that recommended eight hours of sleep.
Eat
Don’t skip meals to study or get work done. The New York Times reported that skipping meals can cause harmful metabolic changes to the body. And when it’s nearing midnight, the last thing you want to deal with is a rumbling tummy. Eat full meals and lightly snack throughout the day.
Manage your finances
Tuition across the University of Hawaii system is continuing to increase, so it is important that students manage their money wisely. By applying for financial aid early, students who qualify will have a likelier chance to obtaining aid to pay off tuition for the next school year.
When times get hard, look to nature
If you are getting nervous about midterms, projects and other assignments and you feel like you’re reaching your boiling point, step away from your desk and take a short break. It’s better to take short breaks as opposed to cramming everything all at once. Find peace in nature: take a stroll through the park, read at the beach or watch the sunset. If you really can’t afford to go out, you can always find tranquility on campus. Sitting in the Great Lawn is a great stress reliever.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
If all else fails and you can’t even wake up to get to class more than once, it’s time to reevaluate. Is it possible to juggle your studies with your personal life and work and still pass your classes with an adequate grade point average? If your spring looks less than cheerful, you may want to consider talking to a counselor or decreasing your social life or job hours.