Start Your Semester Strong

To be successful make up your mind that no matter what happens you will:

  1. Go to class. Every class. Every time.
  2. Turn in all assignments on time.
  3. Do what it takes to actually learn the material.

Following the three steps below to set yourself up for success through each semester! 

Tip 1: Make a Plan

Time management is a challenge for everyone. Between work, school and daily life, it’s not easy to get everything done. Add to that the distractions of phones, streaming services, friends, sports, personal problems, etc., and it’s easy to see that the only way to do well in school is to have a plan.

  • When planning for study time, estimate how much time you will need to spend each week on assignments outside of class by doubling your credit hours (e.g., six hours of study time for a three-credit hour class).
  • Use a planner, or whatever works for you, to create a schedule you can reasonably stick to for one week. Include your personal and school obligations as well as some “me” time to watch your favorite show or scan your social media feeds for fun.
  • Once you've finished building your plan, make sure to follow the schedule for one week.
  • After one week, evaluate how you did and make adjustments as needed for the future weeks. Follow this pattern to help you stay on top of all your work throughout the semester.

Tip 2: Sharpen your Study Techniques

If the study strategies you’ve used in the past aren’t quite cutting it, incorporate some new ones into your study sessions to see if they make a difference. If you’re not sure what to try, check out the links below to get a few new ideas. You can also search for other ideas by talking to your peers, doing a quick search on the internet or even asking your teachers for advice.

Tip 3: Know your Resources

Although you might not need them at the beginning of the semester, find out what tutoring and/or supplemental instruction (SI) resources are available for your classes early on. Additionally, if you have questions about class content, connect with your professor during office hours.

Another resources that can be helpful isacademic peer coaching. Coaches are experienced students who know what it’s like to juggle all the things you have to do. Let them show you how they’re doing it and where the people and places are on campus that can help you do it too. 

And, as always, if you have any questions or concerns please contact your . Don’t wait until the end of the semester to get the help and assistance you need!

Good luck! We know you can do it!