And just like that, winter break is over. 2020 is here and it's time to get back on the grind. Shifting from leisure mode back into school mode isn't exactly the easiest transition. That's why we're here with our top 3 favorite tips to make the most out of syllabus week.
1. Get serious about getting organized.
Syllabus week is sort of like a first impression - if you screw it up, you may not get another chance to make it right. Treat syllabus week like a first date. If you show up ready to shine, you're going to light up the whole room. If your heart isn't in it, it's going to be a dud.
Syllabus week is the time to get organized. If you don't start from day 1, things may never fall into place and the whole semester can end up feeling like a disorganized mess. Now is the time - before classes really heat up - to get your whole semester mapped out to the best of your ability. Here's how:
1. Get a planner - and actually use it. Get something cute and interactive, so you'll be motivated to take it out and utilize it in class and at home. Start by filling it out with all of the pre-scheduled exam dates, school holidays and anything else listed on the syllabus you get from each professor.
2. Do a campus walk-through more than once, especially if you're a freshman - this will help you make sure you know how to find your classes / buildings according to your schedule.
3. Invest in some highlighters, stickers, tabs, nice pens and anything else that'll help you stay organized. There are cute versions of ALL of these things, so no excuses not to use them.
2. Catch up with your crew.
The best way to avoid burnout on syllabus week is to make time for your friends and roommates. We're sure everyone is going to have some crazy family holiday stories to share! As the first week of school rarely includes quizzes, exams or homework, now is the time to really take stock of the college friends that matter and make it a point to see them. Not only should you make time for friends during syllabus week, you should sit down and compare schedules so that you can arrange standing coffee dates, weekly movie nights, etc. - anything to make sure you stay connected, even if you're now in different dorms or classes. It can be really hard to maintain college friendships when you move buildings or get into your major, so don't let this one pass you by. Take it from us - we've been there! Work to keep those friends you made freshman year - they often turn out to be the real ones!
3. Deck our your dorm or apartment.
Your environment has a tremendous impact on your productivity and sense of well-being. If you're in a dorm, make sure it's clean. Wipe the entire thing down thoroughly - especially with it being winter, you want to decrease your chances of getting sick. Whether you're on or off campus, make sure your space is clean, looking nice and feeling cozy. Make sure your desk space is clear and organized - not cluttered. Create some good seating and lounging options so that you're not always in your bed. Make the environment inviting so that you're looking for reasons to stay in to study, relax or recharge, not excuses to get out. Don't get us wrong - going out and socializing is an absolute must, but you're going to feel your best when you're up-to-date on your studies (and your shows). Make your space a sanctuary! P.S. Wouldn't it be so nice if our dorms looked like this photo below?
Have a favorite tip for surviving syllabus week AND making the most of your semester? Tweet us: @ch_threads.