Semester one is just around the corner and before we dive head first back into microwave meals, all-nighters and piles of assignments, we should develop a bit of a plan. A chill semester is all about preparation, otherwise it’s straight to stress city.

Here are some tips for you to jot down if you actually want to have a relaxing time this year.

#1 Set Goals

Set mini goals for yourself throughout the semester and reward yourself when you achieve them. One of them could be attending every lecture (no matter how early), another one could be getting at least one assignment completed weeks before the due date.

If you set yourself short term and achievable goals then not only will you feel amazing when you complete them, but you’ll be less stressed and happier throughout your semester.

#2 Make A Friend

It’s easy to go to a lecture, sit right at the back and go to sleep for a couple of hours. But if you really want to make your life easier, you should trying sitting next to your fellow students and strike up a conversation. There’ll be way less work load when you decide to team up as study buddies and share notes for exams. It also helps to have someone to message frantically at 11pm asking if tonight is the due date for your assignment.

Uni friends are great because even if you’re only friends for that one semester for that one class, odds are they’ll lighten the work load and make the boring lectures worthwhile. 

#3 Get A Full 8 Hours

Gone are the days of pulling all nighters for an assignment that was due two days ago. This year, your new goal is to sleep the correct amount of hours for an adult. Keep in mind that the amount of sleep you get determines how well you learn and remember information.

Studies show that adults you don’t get enough sleep suffer from impaired memory, trouble focusing, depression, weak immune system, fatigue (duh) and a shorter attention span. Now that you’re another year older there’s no excuse for not looking after yourself. Start a good sleep pattern now and stick to it.

#4 Make A Study Plan

I cannot stress how important a calendar or diary is for the start of semester. By the time you hit week four, assignments will start to creep up on you, all from different units and you won’t know where to start.

Keeping a study plan is a good idea if you have a habit of forgetting assignments or neglecting a subject. You can organise your week so you know which day to dedicate to a subject and if you set reminders for yourself, you will never forget a due date again.

#5 Download All The Apps

There are heaps of apps that have been proven to help studying and sleeping patterns. Try Study Blue for flashcards, study materials, progress tracker and custom quizzes. If you happen to miss your classes because you can’t stop pressing the snooze button, then give Alarmy: Sleep if you can a go. Organise your week by downloading Wunderlist – an app that does not just help you with study, but other aspects of your life that might get neglected during the rush of uni and exams.

Quick, easy to use and time savers – what more could a student want?

Sophie Nicolas is studying a Bachelor of Arts in creative writing and is an aspiring writer, dog enthusiast and thrift shop fashion icon.