Making the most of a new semester
Going back to school is a season all its own: fresh notebooks, new clothes, those night-before butterflies as you think about starting over, or starting again. And like any season, how it goes depends on how well you prepare.
Going back to school starts with a plan
If this is a brand new program for you, give yourself time to learn the basics before you worry about any else.
- Figure out how to access your coursework and any online platforms.
- Know who to contact with questions, whether that’s an advisor, instructor, or case manager.
- Determine what a typical week looks like so the workload doesn’t catch you off guard.
And if you’re returning to finish a program you’ve already started, use this semester to build on what you previously learned about yourself.
- What worked well with your study routine? What could you improve?
- Were there resources you wanted to use, but never got around to accessing?
- Are there adjustments you can make so this semester is easier than the last one?
Stick to your plan
A schedule on paper often doesn’t translate into a schedule you actually follow. Here are a few tips that’ll make a difference between a plan you stick with and one you abandon by week three:
- Choose a set study time, even if it’s short. A regular schedule that includes 30 focused minutes beats an open-ended block you’re trying to fit in where it’s convenient.
- Put deadlines somewhere you’ll actually see them: a wall calendar, Post It notes on your desk, a reminder on your phone. Whatever works for you.
- Set aside 10 minutes each week, perhaps on Sunday night, to look at what’s on the agenda for the week ahead. Don’t forget appointments as well as upcoming assignments.
The goal isn’t a perfect system, but one you’ll stick to for the entire semester.
Build in support and use it
The most successful students are typically the ones who take advantage of the resources available to them. That may include:
- Advisors and instructors. Take note of their office hours and attend to get answers to any questions or concerns related to coursework or your program.
- A classmate or a study group. The educational pathways supported by Caring Gene® Program funds are challenging for a reason. Lean on your peers for extra assistance.
- Academic support services, like on-campus tutoring or help from the writing center. CPT Program participants may reach out to their case manager for information on program-specific supports.
Don’t wait until finals are coming up, or you’re falling behind. Reach out early and often. You won’t regret it.
Give yourself some time
Whether you’re starting a new program or returning for another semester, the first few weeks are about finding your footing. That might mean getting used to a new digital learning platform, or determining how long it takes you to read and understand a chapter in your A&P textbook.
Don’t get caught up on a rough first assignment or an early misstep. What matters more in the long run is how you adjust for those missteps. Maybe you ask more questions, either in class or during office hours. Maybe you try studying with a group, or factoring in more dedicated homework time in your schedule.
Give yourself permission to be a beginner again. Everyone going back to school, for their first semester or their third, is relearning how to be a student. You’re not alone.
Preparation always pays off
A solid routine, a support system you’ll use, and some patience (with yourself and others) will positively impact your experience this semester. Don’t overcomplicate it. Just commit to consistency, and start over—without beating yourself up—if you miss a day or two.
You have what it takes to succeed this semester. Congratulations on investing in yourself, and your future. As always, the Caring Gene® team is rooting for you.