So Long Summer: 5 Tips to Prepare You for the Fall 2020 Semester

So Long Summer: 5 Tips to Prepare You for the Fall 2020 Semester

Summer break is quickly coming to an end, which means the fall 2020 semester is right around the corner. Returning to campus after being away for an extended period can seem like a big adjustment, especially in these times. It wasn’t that long ago when face-to-face classes abruptly switched to online formats, and distance learning became the norm globally because of COVID-19.

Whether you take online courses regularly, or you just recently began in the spring, these last two semesters are accomplishments you should be incredibly proud of! As you have been navigating your way through college, you’ve already proven that you can handle just about anything the world throws at you, and now, you must do it again.

Today is the perfect time for you to start mentally and physically preparing yourself so that when the time comes to get back in the swing of things, you aren’t feeling too overwhelmed.

Wrap up your summer with these five tips to be ready for a smooth transition into the fall!

1. Ease Back Into Your Regular Routine

The days of snoozing your alarms and staying in bed longer than you should are about to be over!

You might as well go ahead and get used to waking up early and starting your day based on your routine. Set your alarm to wake you up the same time every day and get out of bed! You'll thank us later. Shift to having fuller days, where you’re making time to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Also, try to begin exercising when you have time to increase your daily steps and physical wellness activity. Slowly begin squeezing in more time to complete household chores here and there. This will help you begin to retrain your brain as you move into the upcoming season.

2. Get Your Schedule in Order!

Use this downtime to crack open your planner and start mapping out what this school year will resemble. It doesn’t have to be 100% accurate, but it will help you tremendously by having somewhat of an outline to follow. Like Will Smith once said, “If you stay ready, you never have to get ready!” 

You can figure out which days work best to study and complete assignments by practicing good time management strategies and looking closely at what you have going on at work and in your personal life.

3. Check Your Email Consistently

Right about now is a great time to get up-to-speed with everything happening at your college or university in the fall. Yes, sometimes, checking your email is a very daunting task. The messages never seem to end, right? 

However, when you’re not checking in, it’s easy to get checked out. 

Make some time to go through your emails and read everything, even the little details! You don’t want to miss out on knowing something important, especially if it’s from your president! Clean up your emails by getting organized and creating folders where you can save priority messages and filter out the rest.

4. Re-Familiarize Yourself with Available Resources

Visit your institution’s website for more information about the campus, academic calendar, policies and procedures, including health guidelines.

This could give you clarity on lingering questions you may have. You might also want to check for student support resources, such as tutoring resources that may help you feel more comfortable in resuming coursework. 

There’s nothing wrong with getting in a little bit of practice before the game begins!

If you’re an online student, try logging in to your course early to refresh your mind and get back to being comfortable with where everything is located in D2L.

For example, eCore and eMajor students have early access to the eConnections online learning tutorial course, where they can submit practice assignments and familiarize themselves with the virtual classroom. It's always good to know where, as well as how, you should submit discussion posts and assignments, or even how to email your professor. When classes begin, students who have used hands-on resources like eConnections, typically perform better. 

5. Secure Your School Supplies ASAP!

Have you found that you’re a better student when you have a new planner or fun pens? How about a colorful binder? Figure out what supplies you need to be successful in your classes this semester by making a list. Shopping? Say less.

Remember, if you have multiple classes, purchase items in bulk to save some coins! Also, be sure to reach out to your professor and request a syllabus to learn if your course has any specific book requirements or additional learning materials.

If your class uses open educational resources only, you will not have to purchase any books!

Shopping for School Supplies While Social Distancing: Take advantage of online shopping, where you never have to leave your home, and everything you need is just a click away! Want to get out of the house, but don't want to go inside the store? Try curbside pickup to pick up your items with low contact and ease. If you choose to go inside the stores, wear a mask to protect yourself and those around you! Seriously, PUT IT ON! Be sure to maintain a distance of six feet away. Happy shopping!

By Mia B. Fanning

Media Contact: Katie Black, kblack@ecampus.usg.edu