Is there a secret formula to a successful semester?
Sleep + Study + Schedule + Self-confidence - Stress = Successful Semester
After a well-deserved time off for summer break, the transition back to the high-speed environment at college can be challenging. West Virginia University Chambers College students and faculty share how they prepare and adjust for the new school year.
On the first day of school, many students have annual routines; meanwhile, others go with the flow. Sarah Heilman shares, “The best way to start off the semester with the right tone is with an iced coffee on the first day of classes!” Treat yourself. It is the little things in life that can make the biggest difference. Lowering stress on the first day of school is a key factor to a successful transition.
That is why Madeline Sarrett picks out the perfect outfit - to feel like her best self. Whether that is the night before to save time in the morning or those last minute touches before walking out the door, confidence is key. Be heard, be strong, be proud. Surrounding yourself with positive people, items, and energy prefaces your mindset, influencing your behavior and outcomes.
Organization is another key variable in the formula to success. Emma LaBombard uses a planner and notebook to schedule and visualize her upcoming events. The first week of classes, Emma notes which school supplies she needs to acquire in order to successfully complete coursework.
Student life outside the classroom is also an important aspect of a good semester. Emma and Lillian Bischof both express that work-life balance tips are essential. There are multiple mental and physical health facilities on campus to support students. WVU Engage is a great resource to find student organizations. The Rec Center offers a wide range of equipment and classes to be active. Going with friends is fun too!
Lillian also suggests “walking your schedule of classes so that you do not have to worry about where to go on your first day.” The unknown can be challenging, but there are various ways to overcome these obstacles. Becoming more comfortable with navigating campus and classrooms will set you up for a successful school year. Attending class regularly allows you to form relationships with your peers and professors.
In fact, Dr. Michael Walsh--Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Department Chair and Associate Professor, Marketing--emphasizes the importance of student-faculty communication. Dr. Walsh shares the following message to help students adjust to the upcoming school year: “Find out your professors' communication preferences and get in the habit of checking those platforms regularly...at least once a day. Whether you use a paper calendar or a phone, put all your due dates/deadlines into your calendar...and check that calendar every day. This will be an interesting semester as WVU transitions back to traditional in person classes. Recognize you may need to adjust your approach to college to reflect this new reality. Good luck. It is great to have you back.”
While this blog has covered various ways to have a successful semester, everyone’s journey is unique. We hope you all have a wonderful year at WVU, and we look forward to interacting with and supporting you along the way.
How do you tackle the transition back to college? Please share with us through email or on social media