You asked:

I think I might lose a little academic momentum over break. Do you have any suggestions for how to get back into the swing of things … seamlessly?

Just about every college student knows what it's like to just not feel like doing schoolwork at the beginning of a new semester. You've been playing in the snow or hanging out with friends, and now you’re expected to crack textbooks and bang out essays. The back-to-school blues can't be eliminated completely, but there are a few ways to make them move to the background:

I’ve found that fixing my sleep schedule a few days before getting back to school is helpful. There’s nothing worse than an abrupt shift from sleeping in until noon to getting up at 7 a.m. It hurts, but if you get up a little earlier a few days in advance, it won't be so bad once school resumes.

I’ve also found that getting back on campus a few days before classes start gives me a chance to get settled into my room and see my friends before the school part of school kicks in again. Planning something exciting with your friends for the beginning of the year is fun, too. Even something as simple as a group dinner out will give you something to look forward to besides schoolwork. Working up even a little bit of enthusiasm about returning helps lessen the blow of your vacation’s end. If nothing else, this semester is an opportunity to fix any mistakes from the last one. Dive back in, and do yourself proud!

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

TALK IT UP

Have a better answer? Share it here.