By Samantha Thompson
Spring—a time of rebirth and new beginnings. Fall semester is behind us now, and spring semester presents a golden opportunity for some fresh starts. Maybe you are filled with motivation but aren't sure exactly what to do with it, or maybe that's exactly what you're trying to find. Either way, spring semester is full of new opportunities to explore. So here are some of my best tips for managing, readjusting, and conquering the last few months of the school year!
FIND A NEW ROUTINE & ADJUST
If you're anything like me, getting reaccustomed to campus can be a little challenging. My classes are all different, I'm around some new people, and after getting used to a certain schedule, coming back to school and readjusting can be awkward and sometimes difficult. The best way to overcome this is to simply let go of old routines and expectations. Be open to all the changes. Routines have growing pains, but they come naturally over time. I recommend jotting down your schedule on a piece of paper so you can visualize your time. If you have any breaks throughout the day, be open to exploring some new activities and places on campus. Free from 10:45 to 12:30 on Tuesdays & Thursdays? Consider going to volunteer in the Carolina Community Garden. Or maybe find a cozy spot in the Student Union and get some work done. Stay consistent with this—or tweak it some if you need to—and you'll find yourself more settled. It's also a great way to find new spots or try new on-campus eateries!
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SEASON
The semester begins cold, but it will soon warm up. Beautiful blossoms will return to campus, and the outdoors will again become the perfect place to be. Nature will undergo its annual rebirth and I think it's important for students to take advantage of this. Optimizing this sense of renewal that both the new year and the spring season offer is important. I used to think writing down resolutions was unnecessary (and maybe a little corny) but just as you dedicate time to certain tasks, you should dedicate yourself to certain objectives. Write them down or keep them in your head but be diligent and committed to them. If you struggled with waking up early for class last semester, set a goal for yourself—I will complete my homework before 10 PM so I can get enough sleep each night and wake up on time for my 8 AM class.
GROW & EXPLORE
Spring semester is also very advantageous for students career-wise. This is the time to perfect your resume and explore internship and job opportunities for the summer. It's also an excellent time to look into any clubs or organizations you may want to join next year and prepare yourself for any requirements they may have. I recommend scheduling an appointment with Career Services and gathering recommendations during this time. Again, the new year means new opportunities, so make sure you are prepared to seize as many as possible!
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Spring semester may start cold, but things will quickly begin to warm back up. This is the perfect time of the year to start fresh and seek new opportunities. I hope these tips offer some guidance so you can finish the academic year strong!