SURVIVING THE SEMESTER: TIPS AND TRICKS

James Klusener 

@ jamesklusener

 

A new semester is more than just deadlines and added pressure; it’s a second chance. A chance to reframe and commit to the goals you’ve set for yourself, a time to reevaluate and to prove you can. The beginning of a new semester is the best time for a fresh start and there are many effective techniques out there to help sharpen your focus and sustain your goals!

 

Firstly, turn those dreary Mondays into a productive start to your week! Use the day as your weekly review session – a time to go through all your upcoming deadlines and readings for the next few days and plan how you’ll stay ahead. 

 

Make it a habit to check eFundi and Outlook regularly. It might be overwhelming, but after a long break, it’s important to get back into the routine of staying informed and up to date with work, deadlines and upcoming assessments. 

 

Take some time to organise your calendar – it’ll make a huge difference. This ties into your Monday reviews and regular eFundi check-ins. It allows your brain to stop thinking about every little thing you need to do and instead, you can refer back to your calendar when you need to check a deadline. Organise your various module semester plans all into one place with colour codes to make things easier and more aesthetically pleasing! 

 

Use Wednesdays for mid-week check-ins to think about what you’ve accomplished, what still needs to be done and maybe even how you are feeling. It’s important to take the time to reflect and remember what your goals are. 

 

Take a moment to catch up with friends; there’s nothing like a long coffee break with a close friend or friend group to revitalise your spirits when you’re feeling down. A chance to step away from work and responsibilities with someone that understands what you’re going through can really help bring things back into perspective. 

 

After a long day, it’s important to take a break. If you’ve had multiple classes or long sessions of studying in the library, treat yourself to something nice. Go home and watch your favourite comfort show, snuggle up in a blanket and just reset. You deserve time off, to give yourself time to unwind – no expectations, no pressure. 

 

Sustaining your motivation throughout the semester can be difficult, but motivation is fleeting. Discipline keeps you going when motivation fades. Doing small things like preparing for lectures beforehand or creating a checklist for important things is a great way to set yourself up for consistent work and dedication to your goals. 

 

And finally, reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and the goals you wish to achieve. Ask yourself, “Why am I doing this degree?” and “What parts of this am I actually excited about?” Analyse how far you’ve come and what you still want to accomplish.

 

These are some small ways you can ground yourself in what is required of you, the goals you’ve set for yourself, and how you can achieve them. Show up, stay grounded, and don’t forget: small steps, every day. You’ve got this!

A university checklist for students (Source: Cartridge Save)

Edited by Isabel Burgers