After a long holiday, it can take a bit of time to get back into the swing of things. Whether it’s your first year of university or your final one; it’s been quite sometime since you have done any studying, handed in any assignments or sat in a lecture hall. Here are a few good tips on how to get the ball rolling again.

Stay positive. The thought of an alarm clock going off at the crack of dawn can send shivers down the strongest of spines. The first day is always the hardest. For first year students; you might be a bit nervous and may not have had the best of nights sleep beforehand – relax and take it in your stride. Don’t be shy to ask someone where to go if you are lost; people are more helpful than you think and they certainly don’t bite! For the old hands; you know the ropes – so get on with it and one day you will look back and realize that university days were the best days!

Get ahead. Now that you have somehow managed to get out of bed, don’t fool yourself that you can extend December in your head. Carry on with what you were doing last year. Make notes during lectures, ask questions when necessary and go through your text book pages after the day is done to get the new info to sink in. Create good learning habits in the beginning of the year which will only help when exam time comes around again.

Take advantage. If you’re battling to adjust to the new surroundings or routine; be proactive and look for help. Investigate what services are offered on-campus. Approach student advisers about your subject choice. Find out what facilities are available. You need to make it happen. Sitting in a corner and lamenting how terrible your life is won’t help your cause. So, stand up and create your own environment. You will be much happier for it!
Let your hair down. One way to avoid the ‘back-to-school’ blues is to have fun and relax. Get involved in a few on-campus activities, with like minded people, such as joining a club or offer to write something for the student magazine. Also, keep an eye out for things happening to fill up your free time like braai’s, parties and jol’s.

Make new friends, spend time with old one’s and don’t dwell on thinking that you have to get through another year of studying – rather think of it as a whole new year of opportunity and learning!