While summer seemed like it could last forever, the start of the academic year is upon us and students are packing for another semester at Syracuse University. Whether you’re a first-year or a senior, this school year will be full of new experiences and challenges. Adjusting to a new environment can be difficult and stressful, and while adversity is natural, there are ways to navigate through a new year and set yourself up for success. Here’s a guide to tackle the semester head-on.

Get out of your room

Spending time outside of the room is key to a successful semester. It’s all about taking the initiative, whether that means going to the Barnes Center at the Arch, studying in a library or eating in the Schine student center. Students should strive to get out of their comfort zone. SU’s campus has abundant resources and areas of involvement that tailor to students’ interests.

There’s nothing wrong with a little alone time in your room. Sometimes less stimulation helps achieve a balanced lifestyle. But, there needs to be a limit. Anxiety and depression rates among college students have increased since the start of the pandemic, with one in three students experiencing such feelings, according to the Mayo Clinic. Staying in one’s room can intensify those feelings, according to Mental Health America.

Every living environment is just a blank landscape until it’s personalized. Campus organizations allow for such expression. They enable students to uncover new passions and connections. From publications to religious organizations, SU has a wide variety of involvement for everyone. Going to just one meeting can provide a new direction.

Form new connections

New friendships or even acquaintances can be the people who have our back throughout college. Be patient — these connections don’t happen out of thin air. They take time. Lifelong college friends may not be found in the first few weeks of college, but friends ranging from a trusted person for genuine advice to a fun person to grab a coffee with are there. Our new connections help provide comfort within the challenges of college life.

Prioritize mental health

Social media tends to glorify college experiences, and our plans often go awry. Keeping an open mind helps to handle such adversity. This openness provides an avenue to move forward. Remember that college is where we learn, and much of that learning may be through making errors. The critical part is to learn from experience and take that knowledge into the future.

Stay organized

From having a clean room to an assignment list, organization is necessary for success in college. By using a method of organization, students are aware of their tasks and deadlines. Organization can allow students to focus on the present, as opposed to constantly worrying about the future. The tools to achieve these are available to all students — a planner, Google calendar or Post-It notes. Organization is your best bet to avoid instances of burnout.

Balance

Understand the importance of balance. Yes, one should attend lectures and study at length for exams, but socialization is also a priority. It’s about balance and what works best for each individual. Students often prioritize academics at the expense of their personal health and relationships, but that can often lead to a decline in academic performance, according to Johns Hopkins.

While these steps aren’t everything, they do promote student success. All it takes is a conscious effort.

Hannah Karlin is a Sophomore Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism major. Her column appears biweekly. She can be reached at hekarlin@syr.edu.

Published on August 21, 2022 at 4:33 pm