Welcome back, Missouri State Bears! I hope you enjoyed your first weeks back at school and are adjusting to your new routine. With the winter semester upon us, we can also celebrate the new year! While the “New Year, New Me” mentality may be cheesy we can apply this sentiment to ourselves this academic semester. With the new semester, we are in different classes, around different faces, and adapting to new schedules which may be intimidating at first. Don’t you worry, while change may be scary, change allows us to grow and be better versions of ourselves.

Tips on how to succeed in the new semester

1. Plan to attend classes regularly!

The cooler season can sometimes make staying cozy at home seem like the better option, but consistency is key when it comes to success in your studies. Attending class regularly helps you stay engaged, absorb new information in real-time, and allows you to participate in discussions and activities. Plus, missing class can lead to gaps in understanding and additional stress later when trying to catch up. The momentum of attending class regularly will help you stay on track for the entire semester.

2. Plan out your week in advance.

Organizing your time effectively is one of the best ways to keep stress in check throughout the semester. By using a paper planner or digital tools like Google Calendar, you can create a visual layout of your week, helping you identify deadlines, exams, study times, and breaks. Breaking down each task into manageable steps will help you keep procrastination down and make your tasks feel more achievable.

Peer Mentor tip: Don’t have a planner? Stop by the CAST office (Meyer Library 116) to pick up a free planner!

3. Reach out to your instructors early.

Don’t wait until you’re struggling to reach out to your professors. Getting to know them early in the semester can be incredibly beneficial. Introduce yourself, express interest in the course, and ask any questions after reviewing the first week’s material. By reaching out early, you show initiative and commitment to succeeding in their class.

4. Make a Friend in Class!

With the new semester, everyone is getting in the groove of their new classes. A familiar face in class will help you feel more comfortable and connected to the course. Having a study buddy or someone to share ideas with can significantly increase your understanding of the content. Making friends in class can lead to better engagement and create a more enjoyable classroom atmosphere. Plus, friends can help you when you miss a class or need clarification on something.

Reach out for help

Be sure to request to meet with a success coach or peer mentor if you have any questions. They are wonderful resources to use, whether to learn about Missouri State, and academics, or just have someone to talk to. The Center for Academic Success and Transition is always here to support the students in their overall success and well-being.

Takeaways

Take this new semester, new year opportunity and make it the best academic year yet! While I have only provided a couple of tips, be sure to find out what works for you! Being in the unknown this semester may be scary, take the strides to help improve yourself! Know that there are resources and people always there to support you. I hope everyone has a great rest of their semester and Go Bears!

~Melyssa

(Bio: My name is Melyssa Hernandez, and I am a senior studying psychology. Fun fact: I am an out-of-state student from Chicago, Illinois)