7 Ways to Make Sure February Doesn't Get the Best of You

There comes a time in second semester when everything gets hectic — coursework intensifies, Greek life is in full swing, and campus publications are on that production grind. Spring break seems close on the calendar, but far away on the syllabus.

At this point in the game, simply surviving the rest of the semester seems damn near impossible. But, have no fear — here are seven tips for getting your life together.

1. Check the syllabus. Cruising along aimlessly in class isn’t going to cut it anymore. In order to prevent major projects, essays, and exams from creeping up on you, consult your syllabus to know what’s up.

2. Meet academic problems head on. Crying into your drinks because you’re failing all your classes isn’t a good look on Mayfest. If the textbook is unclear or the concepts discussed in class are fuzzy, you should talk to someone about it. Hit up your professors or TAs during their office hours. Find a friend who took the class already and pick their brain about what to expect come April and May.

3. Turn down for what? Putting your nose to the grindstone doesn’t mean that you have you to turn down. Going out is good for the soul, after all — just make sure that you’re going out to relieve stress, not to procrastinate schoolwork. Again, crying into your drinks because you’re thinking about school is not a good look either.

4. Catch those zzz's. All-nighters can be fun when you're partying, but getting enough sleep during the week is key to being a pleasant, clear-skinned, healthy, focused celestial being. Eight hours is preferable but not always doable, so just make sure that you catch up on sleep before you crash and burn.

5. Go to class. Seriously. Sleep is cool, but don’t sleep through your morning classes. The weather outside is frightful and the warm of your bed is delightful, but it isn’t worth missing the juicy tidbits about what’s going to be on the exam and then getting a salty email from your professor. Set extra alarms if that helps get you out of bed.

6. Take care of your body. Due to the fact that life gets crazy during the second semester, there’s a good chance that you’re not thinking about what you eat. Treat yourself by putting healthy stuff into your body, like fruit, vegetables, pasta, and yogurt. Also, don’t forget to moisturize and hydrate.

7. Last but not least, stay cool. In this weather, you’d think Syracuse University college students would be the epitome of cool, but tensions run high this time of year. However, if you stay calm, cool and collected, everything will totally work out. Keep grinding and keeping looking out for yourself.

Spring break will come in time (hopefully, it will be a hell of a good time) and before you know it, you’ll be hanging out in shorts, sipping on a cool drink, and waiting for the headliners of Mayfest to come on stage.

Photo by Adham Elsharkawi