Back to School? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you headed back to school next week or perhaps after MLK Jr. Day? If so, remember that vacation is over. As such, the most important thing to remember is that the first week at school defines the rest of the semester.

String discipline is important. You might still be in party mode. You might not be ready to get back to classes. It’s an incredibly hard thing to control that longing for even more freedom with the freedom you have when you’re back at school with your friends once again. But that strong discipline pays off. If you’re shopping around for classes, evaluate them carefully. Determine if this is the class you really want to stay at for the rest of the semester. Don’t slack off (at least not yet!) The time for relaxing will come.

Build the community. Invite friends to meals. Form study groups with classmates and forge friendships that will last forever. Introduce yourself to the new transfer student on the block. If you look back on the few years you may have already spent at school, who are your friends? Are they the ones you formed when you first started school or are they the ones you formed in the middle of the semester for a class? Your suitemates or floormates can make your college experience a whole lot more enjoyable.

Get a head start. You, like others, may be jumping at the available college internships and work study programs. Get started before the others and give yourself a competitive (and planning) edge.

Organize. Above all, keep your place neat. We’ve talked about that before, but it’s really such an important part to starting off your semester well. Do you really think you’ll be as motivated to get your work done if your dorm room looks like a mess? Do you think your place will be inviting if your clothes aren’t folded and there are beer cans on the floor? A cleaner room is a happier room (even if you like a little bit of mess! Trust me — I speak from experience!)

Prepare. Get the equipment you need for classes. Stock up on food, notebooks, and class materials. Sell the books you no longer need from last semester. Put fliers up now (not later) to get the better deals as your classmates are likely looking for the books when classes start and won’t be in a week or two.

What are the most important things you do when you get back to school?