Each year the fall semester seems to fly by while the spring semester drags on. It is  the annual feat of trying to stay motivated through the last few months of the school year and not slack off and just go through the motions. 

This school year is especially difficult with classes being a mix of face to face or online. 

There is the temptation of just Zooming into class from bed instead of going to campus or even just turning the camera off and taking a snooze during Zoom class. 

But there are many ways to stay motivated and keep yourself  on track for the spring semester.

1.Go to class (if you can)

If face-to-face is an option for your courses, take the opportunity to go and actually sit in class and listen. 

While this might seem obvious, and takes slightly more energy, you will retain more information sitting in the classroom rather than in your bedroom surrounded by distractions. 

2. Take notes

Another slightly obvious tip, but if classes are fully online, it is easy to sit through a Zoom class and not take a single note or pay attention to anything the professor says. 

Grabbing a notebook and pen will not only improve your ability to pay attention in class, but the notes will be helpful when it comes to future tests, papers or quizzes.

3. Give yourself a mental health day

Taking a full load of classes can be exhausting. When feeling down, or burnt out it is  OK to take a day for yourself and just relax. 

Do something enjoyable, like binging a TV show or sleeping in an hour later than normal. 

4. Stay engaged on campus 

Whether it be through virtual events or clubs take time to get involved on campus. While this seems like it could add more stress to your daily schedule, these things could be a relief and something to look forward to outside of class and homework. 

5. Write everything down

Staying organized and managing your time is key to not getting overwhelmed between class, homework, jobs and extracurricular clubs and activities. Grab a planner from the Dollar Store and start writing down due dates and events. 

6. Set aside time for homework

When trying to manage time, it is important not only to write down your current schedule, but to block out time for studying and homework. 

This can help prevent procrastination and help relieve stress when it comes to submitting assignments on time. 

7.  Make time for your friends

Classwork can be exhausting, and with busy schedules sometimes it is hard to prioritize time for the people close to you. But it is just as important to maintain friendships and relationships. Take some time each week to catch up with friends. 

Whether it is through a group FaceTime or meeting up for coffee, even something small can help keep friendships afloat. 

8. Get enough sleep 

Sometimes sleeping seems impossible between late night due dates and a mountain of assignments to complete, but being well rested is important. A good night’s sleep will give you the energy you need to power through all of those assignments. 

9. Stay hydrated

Reaching for another coffee may seem like a good idea when you’re hitting the mid-day slump. But drinking some water may be more beneficial in the long run. Staying hydrated actually increases energy and brain function which will be helpful when trying to study for class assignments.

Share