It’s that time again! Another school year starts, and even amidst a pandemic, you probably have the same first week of school ritual: new clothes, fresh hair, and stories about how your Netflix binge game stepped up since COVID-19. This is an essential time to make a good impression and set the tone for the rest of the year. The same goes how well you do in the classroom, and we’re going to give you some gems to get you on track:
Read your syllabi
You know that packet of paper with ALL of your assignments and due dates that the teacher hands out at the beginning of class? Yeah, that one. Before it gets lost in the depths of your backpack or email inbox, read through it. More than once, in fact. This is your guide to get through the class and should be treated as such.
Keep track of your assignments
Whether you need to write everything in a planner or plug them in your phone, do what you need to do to keep track of when assignments are due. You’re more than likely to run into the instances when you have three papers and two exams that fall within one week. If you see this happening a month from now, you have the power to spread out your writing and studying. Could it still be a tough week? Probably, but not as difficult as you trying to cram the work in a few days.
Check your equipment
We are in the era of Zoom classrooms and meetings, whether you like it or not. Now that everyone is an intermediate video chat expert by now, it takes no more than a couple minutes to make sure your screens and internet connection are intact.
Designate a work space
Having a designated area at home for school is super important these days. Chances are you’ve been tempted to play 2K while writing a paper in the same room as your PS4. Your home can be full of distractions when you’re trying to work, and acknowledging that is half of the battle. Find a desk, table, corner, whatever it takes, to call your work space. Keep it as far away from things of leisure as possible and you’re golden.
Have a backup for EVERYTHING
Things happen. Computers go out of commission, the internet slows down, flash drives get washed in the laundry by accident. Set yourself up for greatness by putting measures in place for the unexpected. Find access to a second computer, use your phone’s network for the internet, and save your assignments in more than one place. A little preparation goes a long way.
Schedule breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in your work or just as easy to walk away from the laptop for every reason under the sun. Try blocking out some time away from your work. Do whatever makes you happy during this time for the mental break.
Good luck and don’t let the pandemic take away your drive this year!