5 Hacks for Surviving Your First Weeks Back

New year, new you! Start 2020 off right and make it count.

So you've just had two amazing weeks off to sleep in, catch up with friends and celebrate the festive season. However, all good things come to an end — and the start of the spring semester is looming. How are you going to get back into the groove? Here are some useful hacks to help make 2020 your best year yet:

Bank sleep and re-adjust your sleep schedule

Get a good sleep for a couple of nights before the semester starts, and start adjusting your sleep schedule. If you've become accustomed to staying up late and sleeping in, try to make it into bed earlier — getting up at a reasonable time — so that making it to your early classes won't shock your system too badly.

Set goals

What are your goals? Do you want to get better grades? Exercise and get into shape? Make more friends? Goals will keep you motivated and give you a long-term focus — and once you achieve them, you'll enjoy a whole lot of personal satisfaction and bragging rights!

Have a plan/schedule

Start thinking about your schedule — how are you going to fit in classes and your homework/assignments? When are your tests/exams this semester? Mark those in your calendar. Don't forget to allocate downtime for relaxing, exercise and catching up with friends. A work/life (or study/life) balance is really important — and good for your mental health.

Think ahead — boost your resumé

It's never too early to start thinking about your career and how you can differentiate yourself from your peers when applying for your dream job. Why not add some volunteer experience, either in Canada or abroad? Or consider studying outside of Canada. Check out the Study and Go Abroad Fairs this spring if you're looking for inspiration.

Get fit

Exercise is a great stress reliever. Join a gym, sign up for the Couch-to-5km program or just get out for a half hour walk every day. Set aside time to work out, and make it part of your daily routine. Get your friends committed to join you and you'll be less likely to bail. Exercising outdoors is the best option — not only is fresh air great for clearing the mind, it also boosts your immune system, your energy and your productivity.

Don't leave it to the last minute (or the night before) to get ready for the start of the spring semester. Spend some time preparing yourself mentally and physically so that you can hit the ground running. Start the new year refreshed, energized and with a plan.

Katie Idle
Study and Go Abroad Fairs