Embracing the Spring Feeling: Positivity for Beginning the Spring Semester
Spring is a season that fuels growth and a sense of renewal. With the warm weather in the near future (or at least somewhat near!) and a new semester ahead of us, heading back to campus for Spring semester brings excitement and new opportunities to blossom.
However, like any college student, returning to campus can be overwhelming. Whether you are a first-year student or have worked through a few semesters already, starting new classes, meeting new professors, and coming back to campus can feel a bit daunting! Before jumping into Spring semester, there are a few steps you can take to begin with a positive mindset and flourish.
Start Refreshed
It’s no surprise that with a new semester comes new responsibilities. With those responsibilities in mind, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before starting your classes. Thankfully, there are some great ways to get organized in order to return to campus refreshed! Here are some of our favorite tips:
Get Your Materials Ready Ahead of Time
This tip may seem obvious, but it’s often pushed until the last minute! To avoid rushing, go through your old materials from last semester to see what you need and can get rid of, such as notebooks and binders. Don’t forget to grab your textbooks before classes begin! This will save you time once the semester kicks off.
Organization is Key
It’s important to prioritize organization with your materials and agenda right away. Begin with your space. Cleaning your desk or wherever you work is a helpful way to prep because, let’s be real, it’s difficult to be organized with clutter around you.
From there, we recommend looking over your classes. This includes knowing where they are on campus, reading through the syllabus, and creating a schedule for yourself. Having an agenda for when you are in class, when you need to study, and when you have free-time is a great way to practice time-management and, in return, can keep your days more organized once they get busier.
Goal Setting
The new semester, as we mentioned, is a great way to begin fresh and discover new opportunities. Before classes start, take time to reflect on what you want to gain from this semester. Maybe it’s a goal of making the Dean’s List, landing a summer internship, or joining a new organization (check out Blu’s Organization Bash!). Whatever it is, setting aside time to write out your personal goals serves as motivation to begin the semester.
Cultivate Growth
With the start of a new year, Spring semester offers us a chance to grow. So, a question to ask yourself is, “How do I want to grow this semester?”
Consider finding a new hobby, such as reading or going on daily walks (Eau Claire has some great trails to check out!). Perhaps growth will mean practicing a new habit, such as studying at fun coffee shops. The new semester also allows you more opportunities to connect with classmates and peers. Don’t be afraid to make new friendships with fellow Blugolds — you already have something in common!
Stop to Smell the Flowers
Above all else, taking care of yourself (physically and mentally) is the most important step before starting a new semester. Check in with yourself to understand what you need in order to manage your wellness. We recommend taking advantage of the great resources that UW-Eau Claire offers.
Practicing self-care and mindfulness before entering this stressful, yet exciting new chapter of your college career is essential to making the most out of your semester. Just as we enjoy Spring because it brings the world alive, take moments to reflect on all your accomplishments and future endeavors.
