By SARAH BRASHEARS
Co Editor-in-Chief
Welcome Rangers! My favorite time of the year is here… Ranger football starts in a week. Fall is in the air. This is truly the best time to be alive. But, let’s get real, it can also be the most stressful. Even though fall is exciting, it is important to prepare for the upcoming semester to set yourself up for success.
Organize your semester
As soon as possible, read your syllabus. Make a note of your professors office hours, preferred contact, and put assignment and test dates on the calendar. Ensuring that you have fully read the syllabus prepares you for the class more than you may realize!
It is also important to organize your dates. Write down all the dates from your syllabus, block out your deadlines, exam weeks, and personal commitments. Also schedule in some down time and time out with your friends and family. Life is not all about homework!
Academic prep
The most important piece of academic preparation I have is to preview your material before class. Don’t do this just for the semester, but each week to be ready and know what your professors will be talking about. Skim through your textbook, and weekly chapters, to get familiar with the topics!
It is also important to brush up on weak areas. If your class builds on last semester’s topics, review the key concepts. But don’t stop there. Review your notes and materials from the previous week to be confident in what you are building on, and prepare for exams as you go.
Get your supplies for class early, and keep them organized. As your life gets busy, and more things are added to your plate, have a system to know where everything is and how to quickly access them!
Campus and Community
It is important to get to know your campus and your classmates. Find your classes early, discover the study spot you work best in, familiarize yourself with the resources on campus and the library, and look around online programs your class utilizes. It is also helpful to get to know your classmates! Being able to form study groups and connections will keep you motivated and ahead as you get deeper into the semester.
Personal Life and Habits
Remember to set goals. Set academic goals for your GPA and skills to learn. Set personal goals for networking, growing into yourself as you begin this new chapter, and self-care.
Don’t get caught up in class. Exercise and relieve stress throughout the week. Even a short ten minute walk or light stretching can help keep your body healthy and relieve stress. Plan fun times into your schedule. Grab a coffee with a friend or go to the movies. Don’t spend all semester stressing about the next assignment due!