Are you going back to college to finish a degree while working full time? Starting a new semester can be scary, but also adventurous, especially if you’re taking those classes for the first time.
In this post, you’ll learn some tips in order to prepare for a new semester as a working student without getting overwhelmed.
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#1 Look back on Last Semester
Think about three different things:
- What you think were good habits or good outcomes from the last semester,
- What you think harmed you during that semester in terms of actions, and
- Picking something that you can work towards this upcoming semester to make it just a little bit easier to manage on top of your job.
I have recently been reflecting more often. I used to be afraid to do this because I did not want my flaws and failures to be right in front of my face.
But I am learning that there is no harm in seeing past mistakes. In fact, tracking actions, goals and habits is the best way to improve for the future, and get rid of anything that does not add to your life.
For example, last semester I spent a lot of time procrastinating on assignments. Although they were all successfully completed, I did not like how I felt when I was stressing to type a research paper on a Sunday night.
So, a goal for this semester is to spend 30 minutes – an hour, 3 weekday evenings a week on homework. I am hoping that this will reduce the overwhelm I feel on weekends.
In addition, I know this will help add some buffer time into my schedule, just in case I’m not able to work on a class assignment on Saturday.
If you’ve had classes before, try this out.
Review and reflect on your previous semester and pick one thing you can do to make your work and school life easier to manage. Make mental notes on how your new method works for you once your semester starts, and modify as you go.
#2 Get Organized, but not Too Organized
If your house has gotten into a state of disarray, take some time to put it back in order.
This is a great time to do this because you have a week where you’re not having to do homework or study for exams. Caring for your home by organizing is a great way to care for yourself as a working student.
Having a clean space will help you when you start your new semester as well. Your brain will feel fresh, and you’ll be able to find the things you need fast.
Remember, you live here.
Don’t be super picky and perfectionistic. Remember that you also live in your space, so things are allowed to exist there. Make sure the things you need are easy for you to access, and you enjoy being in your study zone.
Store away your class work and study materials from last semester.
This will help you start with a clean slate.
Take inventory.
Do you need new materials related to school? Maybe you’re running low on printer ink or paper? What about pens? Do you like starting new notebooks for each semester?
Make a note of the stuff you need, and go buy it now. It would be terribly inconvenient for you to start your accounting class and realize your calculator batteries are dead.
Pick a spot to hold important dates and a spot to save assignments.
The next tip is for if you can get your syllabus early.
Choose one place for you to store all of your due dates, homework assignments, and exam dates for the classes you’re taking this upcoming semester. I like to use Google Calendar for this.
This will help you get an overview of what to expect over the next couple months. Check to see if you need to make special arrangements with your job schedule or take certain days off.
Similarly, make sure that you have a designated spot for saving assignments. I do this within this program called Obsidian. Then, when it’s time for me to format assignments, I paste everything into Microsoft Word.
Don’t stress about your methods if you haven’t found them yet…you’ll find something that works for you, even if it’s not as pretty as something you see on the internet. All that matters is that it serves your life.
#3 Roughly Block in a schedule
I used to overthink this a lot. Don’t be like me in this regard.
All you need are your non-negotiables like work, commute hours, family nights and class times (if they aren’t flexible). Then you can work in your study time and meal times after that.
Make sure you also build in ‘Wild Card’ hours in your schedule where you can do anything from studying or working, to sleeping or drawing.
Things will change. You will not keep your schedule 100%, and that’s a-ok. Give yourself grace. Time will pass anyway, it’s not the end of the world.
The whole purpose of this is to make sure you can see how much extra time you have in your weeks to study, socialize, and sleep.
#4 Prioritize Self-Care Early
Start gradually adding positive things for yourself into your schedule.
For me, that includes meal prepping an easy lunch meal every week.
Doing this means that I can roll out of bed 15 minutes later and not have to decide what to whip up for lunch time.
Don’t overcommit.
You’re already balancing your job, so whatever you do, start by easing into it. It will be easier to adjust when the next semester starts.
For more info on self-care for busy students like us, check out this post.
Create an “emergency plan” for weeks when life feels too heavy.
This emergency plan doesn’t have to be detailed, but you should have a general idea of options…especially if you burn out.
This one is huge. I’ve been rationing my PTO/sick time at work for days when I absolutely need to rest.
You may need to communicate with your family during the emergency to pick up the slack.
You may need to allocate some extra cash in the budget towards food delivery.
You might have to be okay getting a C on an assignment.
Let me know in the comments if you want an emergency plan printable to help you keep going through hard times as a working student.
#5 Automate What you Can
I have found that automation helps save time and energy, which are hot commodities as a student.
Use CHATGPT ethically.
I like to use it to give me ideas for meal plans and schedules. I also like to use it to help me understand assignment instructions.
Use your people (ethically).
My husband is an absolute God send. He’s been taking care of chores around the house when I’m swamped.
My family also makes food, which is incredible.
If you need help, give your peeps a heads up, and don’t be afraid to ask them if you need something.
Things to Keep in Mind for the Semester Ahead
Give yourself grace in a way that you would give others grace.
You’re practically working two jobs right now, and that’s incredible.
Give yourself kudos for making the decision to better yourself & your family.
The goal is completion, not top performance.
You may not have the capacity to get the best grades in your class or be the top earner at work. That’s okay! As long as you keep showing up to your job and your classes, you’re making great strides.
Some days, you’ll only be able to give 30% energy. That may be your best, and that is just fine.
Do what you can to enjoy the process and not only look forward to the end result.
I struggle with this at times. I’m learning to enjoy learning in my classes. I’m learning to enjoy learning at my job.
It’s hard, and I’ve got a long way to go, but it makes the journey that much more adventurous.
Conclusion
I’m so excited for you to move into your next semester!
Let me know below what classes you’re taking, and make sure to join the email list to stay updated on new posts and resources for your work and school journey.