1. Make a note of the format of each of your classes. Make sure you know which ones meet face-to-face, and which ones meet remotely. It can be confusing and hard to manage all of those different meeting times and formats. And for those classes that meet face-to-face: find the meeting room ahead of time! This way on the first day of class you aren’t running around the building lost trying to find your class.
  2. Get contact information from at least 2 people in each of your classes. I have found myself in classes without any contacts, and if I miss a day for any reason, I feel lost. Many professors want you to ask your classmates for assistance before asking them. This is especially important for face-to-face and hybrid courses. If a class is remote or asynchronous, you can also use the discussion/ask questions function within Canvas if you are wondering about something.
  3. Use a planner. This could be a virtual planner or a physical one. I have found that writing down assignments and due dates on a physical planner (or even just a notebook) helps me remember them better than just programming them into a virtual calendar. This being said, don’t forget that a lot of courses that use Canvas have a built-in planner function, you can see due dates, meeting dates, and more listed on the calendar in Canvas (though some professors don’t fully set up that function).
  4. Incentives! I have found that some assignments feel really daunting, and now, with virtual classes, we have to self-motivate ourselves more than we used to, so I’ve found that using incentives has really helped me get through tough assignments (or any assignment really). My strategy is to work on the assignment for an hour and then transition to an activity that I enjoy for 30 to 45 minutes; such as video games or a tv show. While this works for me, it doesn’t mean it will work for everyone, so find a strategy that works for you!
  5. Make time for yourself. This is the most important in my opinion. It can be easy to get swept into a routine of going to class, doing homework, going to bed – wash, rinse, repeat. I have always had an issue with giving myself time to relax. But taking time to eat your favorite food, watch your favorite show, do some art, play a game, hang out with friends, or whatever you need to do to wind down is crucial to avoiding burnout.

Remember that it is Okay to need someone to talk to, and remember to reach out to those around you if you feel like you are struggling with this semester. Taking the time to take care of yourself should be something we all practice as this semester continues.

If you feel the need to talk to a professional, and like you are struggling to keep up with the stress of a new semester, please contact UHCS by visiting their website at https://www.uww.edu/uhcs/counseling-services