Whether new on campus or in your final year, starting the new semester with a plan is the secret to success. The first few days back at school will set the tone for the next few months. If you start your semester disorganised and out of your depth, getting a grip on things will be challenging once classes and other commitments pour in.
The better approach is to start the new semester with the end in mind. Think about how you want to spend your time and your priorities. Would you rather spend your precious time between classes getting lost in the campus maze or digging through your bedroom clutter looking for supplies? It’s much easier to set aside a day or two in the beginning to save yourself time (and a few headaches) in the long run. Keep reading to determine how to make the most of your new semester.
No time to read the whole post? Find the summary here.
How to Prepare for a New Semester
Table of Contents
Gather Your Supplies
Realistically, you would need little more than a pen and paper to take notes in class. Some students don’t even do that much. However, some of your courses may require special supplies. Ask your course-mates or seniors what essentials you need for the class, e.g. will you need a smart device, or are a pen and notebook enough? Do you need a scientific calculator or specific software on your laptop? Find out which textbooks are mandatory and see if PDF versions are available.
Make a list and gather your essentials before your student budget stretches too thin. Later, you can add personality to your back-to-school collection. Highlighters, glitter pens, sticky notes – you have free rein when time and money allow.
Here are some ideas for non-essential supplies I’ve gathered on Pinterest:
Set Up your Study Space
A clean, well-organised, non-distracting workspace is essential for productivity. Set up your study space to be most beneficial to you. Think about what worked during your previous semester and what didn’t. Are you sure doing assignments in bed has been the best idea?
Figure out if you are more productive at home, at the library, or in a different place, like a cafe or friend’s house. If you will be on the move, make sure you have a “study kit” containing all your essential supplies ready to grab when you need them.
When choosing your study space, ensure it has enough natural light or a good light source. Gauge how much surface area you’ll need and organise your space accordingly. You’ll (hopefully) be spending a good part of your week in your study space, so make it as comfortable and functional as possible.
Here are a few examples of comfortable desk setups to get you inspired:
Know your class schedule
It would be best to keep your class schedule somewhere easily accessible, e.g. on your phone or in your planner. If you’re new to campus, find the buildings where your classes will be held beforehand. Check who your lecturers are and find out what they expect from you regarding class participation, attendance, absenteeism, late assignments, etc.
Things you could include in your class schedule:
- Course title
- Lecture/Tutorial/Lab topic
- Lecturer
- Time
- Location
Get familiar with your course syllabus
A course syllabus is a powerful tool. It is a summary of the expectations for the course for the semester. It will have all the details of your assignments and exams, the different ways you will be evaluated, your lecturer’s contact details and office hours and other valuable information.
View the learning outcomes for your course. It will outline what you should learn during your course. Use it as a guideline to select what topics and activities to focus on. You will quickly burn out if you try to read every textbook and article. Additionally, check which sources are compulsory vs recommended, as this will guide your reading and study objectives.
Your syllabus will also tell you about your course grading. Ensure you understand how each assessment/exam will factor into your final score so you can plan your time accordingly.
Plan your extra-curricular activities
Extra-curricular activities are essential to leading a balanced life and having a well-rounded university experience. If you join any clubs or play sports, find out your commitments and plan how you will manage them along with your academic obligations. Jot down significant events for each activity and your role in them. Make sure they don’t clash with any classes or tests. As I said earlier in this post, be clear on your priorities from the start.
Have a student planner
I wrote an article about creating a daily schedule that works. It’s worth considering if your old methods aren’t working. Turn your mental clutter into an organised, executable plan. Click here to read more.
However, you may need more than a daily plan to stay organized as a student. Some other items that could help you stay on track include:
- Class Schedule
- Yearly/monthly calendar with important dates
- Reading list
- Assignment tracker
- To-do list/daily planner
Join our Study Circle and get a free printable planner!
Find out where to get help
Whether you need help with coursework or mental health, ensure you have the support you need. Contact your course tutors, find a mentor or even friends/classmates to have your back when the going gets tough. Look into your school’s mental health care and peer support programmes early if you think you are struggling or might run into trouble as the pressure builds.
Summary
You need a game plan if you’re going to start the new semester strong. Organizing yourself during the first few days of the term will reap benefits in the long run. Here’s a list of things to do before your classes begin:
- Gather your supplies
- Set up your study space
- Get to know your class schedule
- Familiarise yourself with the course syllabus
- Plan your extracurricular activities
- Have a student planner
- Find out where to get help when you need it
Conclusion
Preparing well for a new semester involves a lot of planning. It’s essential to be well-prepared to manage your time and not get caught off guard by important dates, difficult lectures, or extended assignments.
Preparation is a large part of setting yourself up for success and giving yourself an advantage when things don’t go as planned. Make sure you have your school supplies as soon as possible and a comfortable place to work. Then, get to planning. Setting aside a few hours at the beginning of the semester for this sometimes tedious task will increase your chances of success in the future.