With the new school year starting soon, students across the country are gearing up to hit the books once again. Those of you who are nervous might need insight on habits to start your school year off right. For some, adjusting to in-person learning will present a challenge as many educational institutions across the country have only recently opened up after the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you’re preparing to start or return to college, there are many ways to make sure you start the school year off right. Here are 5 essential habits to start your school year off right:
1. Reset Your Sleep Schedule
Establishing a consistent sleep/wake cycle is one of the biggest obstacles students face when it’s time to return to school. Studies show that sleep deprivation is a major contributing cause of poor academic performance.
In the weeks prior to the start of the school year, make it a point to go to bed earlier each night so you won’t struggle to wake up in the morning. If you continue to sleep despite your best efforts, consider placing an alarm clock on the other side of the room so you’ll be forced to get out of bed to turn it off.
2. Get Organized
If you’re new to a school or university, create a binder to organize all the information provided to you at orientation. Having all your critical documents in one place will make navigating your new campus much less daunting. You may also want to tape a map of the campus to the inside of the binder covers just in case you ever get turned around.
Staying organized is especially important for college students who have to worry about tuition, scholarships, grants, various deadlines for federal student aid applications, and more. On top of all the rigorous university coursework, you also need to be aware of exam dates and assignment deadlines for every class you take. Create copies of each syllabus outline you receive and store it in your binder for easy reference later.
3. Get your Mind Ready for Study
The sudden move into a more regimented, schedule-oriented lifestyle can feel a little overwhelming when you’re not in the right headspace. Get your brain ready for work by diving into some reading and study before the school year begins.
If you’re planning on taking Spanish, spend a few hours each week learning unfamiliar words or reviewing the coursework you’ll likely encounter. It’s hard to adjust to academic responsibilities after a long, relaxing summer break, so preparing yourself mentally before the semester starts can make an enormous difference.
4. Start Walking, Running, or Working Out
While exercising the mind is vital, it’s also important to remember that personal fitness is equally relevant to student success. Experts have long recognized the link between physical wellbeing and mental acuity, so consider going on walks or doing cardio several days a week ahead of the school year. Keeping up with exercise throughout the semester will ease anxiety, improve focus, and help you gain the endurance needed to excel academically.
5. Find a Quiet Place to Live
College universities are known to get a little rowdy, and the noise can quickly become a distraction. Instead of relying on headphones to mute out your roommate, it may be better to locate a place off-campus to call your own. Look around for a rental property that gives you the space and quiet you need to focus on the coursework.
If off-campus apartments feel a little cramped and loud, consider looking into renting a small home near campus. Rented off-campus homes are ideal for students due to the extra space for roommates, additional separation from neighbors, and backyard space for private studying outdoors.
If you’re interested in exploring off-campus Ohio University rentals, our friendly associates at Wharton Rentals will find the perfect place for you. We manage multiple properties throughout the Athens area, including many spacious uptown homes and apartment buildings.
Contact Wharton Rentals to learn more about our beautiful off-campus housing today. A member of our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
