The Fall 2013 semester is over! Did you make time for success and less time for stress? Classes will begin again before we know it, and right now is your opportunity to plan ahead.
Here are 5 ways to help you manage your time next semester:
1. Visualize your workload
Purchase a planner or a large dry erase board calendar and use it to keep track of important dates for assignments or exams so you can plan ahead. I have a dry erase calendar myself and whenever I complete a week of work, I erase it and write my assignments for the following month so I always know what to expect.
2. Learn to say ‘no’
We all have social responsibilities with our family and friends, but if they are getting in the way of the time you need to use for you classes, feel free to pass on plans and reschedule to later dates. Sundays are my ‘no fun’ days. I keep this day reserved for academic and nothing else, so that way I know in advance how much time I have for my classes.
3. Reward yourself
It can be stressful trying to write papers and prepare for the end of the semester, and rewarding yourself can help immensely. Have a favorite show or activity? Make it your official break, and things won’t seem as overwhelming.
4. Break up your work
A five page academic paper is a lot less scary if you work on one page at a time. Get yourself to complete your tasks over a longer period of time and you’ll have more time to relax when you really need it.
5. Know your resources
If I’m not feeling confident in some of my classes, I always know that I can receive one-on-one tutoring at the Center for Academic Enrichment (CAE) on campus. Whether it’s concerning math, writing, science, or other subjects, the staff at the CAE are available through appointments weekdays, weeknights, and weekends.
I hope that these tips will be helpful to you as you enjoy your break and great ready for the Spring 2014 semester. See you on campus soon!
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Jeremiah King is a senior at UNH Manchester graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in May 2014. He can be reached at jnh34@wildcats.unh.edu if you have any questions.
