After some time away, it can be hard to get back into the swing of academic life. It can be helpful to take some time at the beginning of the semester to situate yourself and ensure you’re ready for what the next few months of classes will bring. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for successful semester.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Having a plan is the best way to find your resolve in a new semester. Whether that means writing out all of your assignments in a physical or digital planner, creating a schedule that incorporates priorities like sleep and time to relax, or just reviewing what’s coming up in your first week of classes, having a plan can save you time and worry. Looking ahead will help you create a schedule that works for you and helps with your time management. It’s easy to become overwhelmed at the start of the semester, but having a plan can help ease the stress and allow you to stay focused and motivated.
Work on Your Sleep
After enjoying more relaxed time during winter break, you may find that your sleeping habits are out of whack. Were you staying up late and sleeping in? Getting much less sleep than you truly need? Regardless of your sleeping patterns during your time away from school, it’s important to get consistent, quality sleep once the semester starts. Sleep is a huge component to a successful semester. Being well rested allows you to better manage your schedule, cope with stress, and stay engaged in both academic and social activities, so make it a priority.
Review Your Course Materials
Course materials often are offered online in advance of the first day of class. Download or order any course materials you will need in advance of the first day. Review syllabi and any messages from the instructor — and take note of any big projects, papers, and exam dates so you can plan accordingly. Knowing this information early will help you feel more prepared and reduce your anxiety about starting new classes.
Carve Out Your Study Space
We all need a dedicated study space. Doing work at the kitchen table or in a dorm room with three other roommates watching TV just isn’t conducive to effective studying. So before the semester gets under way, find a study space that will work for you. Do you need a quiet space with internet access? A space with a desk and a chair? Will you be able to access it throughout the semester? Figure out what has worked for you in the past and focus on those aspects for your new study space.
Connect with Classmates
The best way to have a successful semester is to get help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to classmates to create study groups, collaborate on projects, and compare notes when you’re struggling with a more complicated topic. Your classmates are a great resource and often are more readily available than an instructor. You don’t have to go through the semester alone, especially if you find the material particularly challenging. Take the time at the beginning of the semester to connect with your classmates and create relationships that will help get you through whatever the semester brings.
It can be difficult to maintain a high level of motivation from the first day of the semester to the last. Minimizing stress by creating a plan and accessing supportive resources will position you for a successful semester. Use these tips to help you find your resolve for the semester ahead —before you know it, you’ll be packing up for summer!
Career Corner
Exploring STEM Professions
To help you on your journey to determine a career pathway, each month we'll highlight one STEM profession and how you might use that career to support and build your tribal community after earning your degree. Many career paths are worth exploring — even those you've never heard about. Keep an open mind as you learn about various options within STEM, and discover your path to opportunity.
Agricultural Engineer
What they do:
Applies knowledge of engineering technology and biological science to agricultural problems concerned with power and machinery, electrification, structures, soil and water conservation, and processing of agricultural products.
A Person in This Career:
• Prepares reports, specifications, proposals, budgets for proposed sites and systems, and sketches working drawings.
• Discusses plans with clients, contractors, consultants, and other engineers to evaluate and make necessary changes.
• Meets with clients, such as district or regional councils, farmers, and developers, to assess their needs.
• Provides advice on water quality and issues related to pollution management, river control, and ground and surface water resources.
• Plans and directs construction of rural electric-power distribution systems and irrigation, drainage, and flood control systems for soil and water conservation.
• Designs agricultural machinery components and equipment using computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
• Tests agricultural machinery and equipment to ensure adequate performance.
• Designs food processing plants and related mechanical systems.
• Visits sites to observe environmental problems, consult with contractors, or monitor construction activities.
• Designs structures for crop storage, animal shelter and loading, animal and crop processing, and supervises their construction.
How can I use this type of career to help my community?
• Design Indigenous food systems on tribal lands to provide vegetables and fruits for the community.
• Provide oversight on environmental issues on your tribal lands for the care and protection of the community.
• Design structures for animals that are used for traditional processing and distribution.
For more about STEM careers, check out AISES College and Career Guide.
