New Semester, New Start: Tips to Get Ready

With the beginning of the semester right around the corner, there are so many things to be excited about – but there are also a lot of new changes happening all at once. Whether you’re commuting to school or staying in the dorms, it is very common for students to feel nervous and overwhelmed when opening this new chapter in their lives. However, there are some things that you could do before your classes start to ease your nerves and help you acclimate to your new situation and environment. 

Know What to Expect 

You’ll have to do a bit of research, but it’ll be worth the time and energy. Knowing what to expect from campus life and from your classes could help alleviate a lot of anxiety. 

Look into things like:  

• Dining hall hours
• Dormitory hours and rules
• Campus resources
• Syllabi for your classes

Map out your schedule 

Adjusting to a new schedule will take some time, but it may be a bit easier if you have a visual of what your days and weeks will look like. Use whatever tools work best for you – physical calendars, calendar apps, whiteboards, pen and paper – and write out all of your class times, potential mealtimes, and any other meetings, activities, or obligations you may have, as well as their locations. This will not only help you to get familiar with your new schedule, but it will also give you a reference to go back to as your classes begin. 

Explore the Area 

Knowing your campus and the surrounding area is a great way to be prepared and feel more settled in a new environment, especially for any students staying in dorms or going to school in new places. Taking a day before classes start to explore the campus and visit all your class locations is a great way to familiarize yourself and avoid the stress of potentially getting lost on your first day. Exploring the surrounding area in your college town and becoming familiar with transportation options may also be very helpful for settling in and feeling less overwhelmed.

The Bottom Line 

There will inevitably be challenges and stressors when school starts, but there are things you could do to prepare yourself beforehand and make the transition to college life easier. Getting an idea of what to expect from both your classes and the resources available on campus could be a major advantage, and organizing your schedule ahead of time could help things feel less hectic as you prepare for your first week. And, if you have extra time, exploring your campus and the surrounding area is always a great idea to help you feel more familiar with your new environment. These preparations may help you to clear your mind of lingering anxieties and allow you to focus on your new classes – and on enjoying this exciting new adventure.