Though it often comes with stress, there are always ways to make the new semester better than you could have thought. Start your semester off strong with these tips.
- Get organized – look at your schedule before the first day
Even though this one should go without saying, one of the most important parts of getting organized for the semester is looking at your class schedule. Before the first day, make sure you know not only what time your classes are but also what building they’re in and the best way to get there. We all know the nightmare that comes with parking, so get your strategy together before the first day. You’ll thank me when you don’t have to start the semester with a hefty parking ticket because you were too rushed and had to park in a faculty lot.
- Read your syllabus
As silly as syllabi and the week that comes with them are, read what they say. You’ll be thankful when you actually know the dates of your exams or the fact that you can’t book your flight for summer until the Friday of finals week because you have an exam that afternoon.
- Write things down – get a planner!
Writing down important details is key for the success of any student. My favorite way is to keep a planner and write down everything: your schedule, your test dates, your final exam, big projects and even fun things like your formal, Mardi Gras weekend or spring break. Get your dates set straight so you don’t miss a beat on any of the fun and important things to come this spring semester.
- Buy your books
It sounds obvious, but the best way to pass most classes is to actually read the book. Make sure you know which books are necessary for your classes beforehand. Buying extra loose-leaf paper, calculators, your favorite color pens or pencils, the fanciest highlighters you can find or whatever helps you survive your studies this semester should be done before classes start.
- Scantrons
Buy your Scantrons and blue books ahead of time. Nothing’s worse than being the kid who shows up stressed to a test and forgot a scantron and #2 pencil. Don’t be that kid. Run by the bookstore early in the semester and stock up on the essential blue books and purple scantrons. Whatever your teacher’s testing methods may be, get prepared ahead of time to be sure you’re ready to fill in all those bubbles throughout the semester ahead.
- Budget
Nothing’s worse than being a poor college student living off of ramen noodles. That’s why planning a semester or weekly budget will help you maximize your money this semester. Try saving a few dollars where you can. You’ll be thankful to have some spare cash for emergencies or even a weekend getaway you deserve.
- Take a pic of your student ID
Nothing’s worse than trying to scan in late to class only to realize your student ID is still on the counter at home from paying for Papa John’s. A quality picture of your ID can not only help you scan in if you forget it but can also be helpful when you need to remember your ID number on exams.
- Baseball games
Ole Miss sports don’t just stop after football season. Prepare for the beer showers and get your seats secured in the baseball stadium early. Our baseball boys are no joke, so try to make it to as many games as you can to show your Rebel pride this spring.
- Find new ways to enjoy Oxford
There are often many new things to discover in Oxford. Let this be the semester you try something new. Go to a restaurant you’ve never been to, see a show at the Ford Center or go on the Double Decker art crawls. Whatever you’re interested in, take time to try something new in Oxford this semester. Oxford’s full of adventures for those who seek them.
- Get involved – step outside your comfort zone
Try to get more involved this semester, either within the Oxford community, on campus or in an organization you’re a member of. Maybe join a club you’ve never heard of or spend your Saturday giving back at the Oxford Humane Society. Oxford is overflowing with fun organizations and groups to get involved with. Find one that vibes with you and give it a try. It’s often the uncertain situations and new things we try that lead to the best opportunities, friendships and memories.
