How To Be On Your A-Game In Your First Semester This Year

2023, we're coming for you.

Somehow we’re almost halfway through the first month of the year, which means that it’s time to start thinking about the new semester coming up. Whether you’re going to high school or uni this year, here are some ways to be ready and energized for the year ahead!

Clear your study space.

It’s time to refresh and spark joy into your workspace. Tidying expert Marie Kondo has outlined steps to get your office in ‘tip-top shape’ that will have you smashing goals.

This starts with discarding what you don’t need. Get rid of any rubbish, clear off any belongings that shouldn’t be there, throw those clothes piled on your chair in the wash – just get rid of that clutter.

Keep all your supplies in the same place. Not only does this keep you organised, but it prevents you from getting distracted when you need to get up to find something (yep - guilty).

Last but not least - ‘add joy’. Marie Kondo recommends ‘placing one item on your desk that is bound to spark joy’, but we’d argue to have a bit of fun and make the space your own with a few things. Have fun decorating and personalising your study area with things like photos, or a little houseplant.

You can even go the extra mile and create an aesthetic that oozes your personal style. To help achieve your dream setup, enter our Logitech competition to win one of 12 Visa Gift Cards here.

Having a dedicated, personalised, tidy area for you to work in will have you feeling focused and ready to take on the new year.

cozy desk setup pic.twitter.com/ic4Lb8MFhr

— sam ࿔ (@fulminarey) January 8, 2023

Get onto your books and stationery ASAP.

Avoid getting stuck in the queues at your local office supplies store the week before class and get your stationery sorted as soon as you can.

While so much of our studies are online now, you might argue that there isn’t any need for the ye olde pen and paper.

Well, Professor Kuniyoshi L. Sakai from the University of Tokyo revealed in a study that "paper is more advanced and useful compared to electronic documents because paper contains more one-of-a-kind information for stronger memory recall".

It probably wouldn’t hurt picking up a few notebooks and a stash of pens just in case you decide to put your laptop and iPad to the side.

Textbooks can be expensive, so give yourself time now to see if you can find a second-hand copy to buy from another student. If there’s an option for class, see if there’s a digital version you can loan or buy it instead (and your bag and back will thank you for it).

Set up a study playlist.

There are so many playlists out there for you to choose from to keep you company while you work, but have you considered making your own? Or even collaborating on a study playlist with friends?

While you may feel tempted to jam out to your favourite artists, it can be distracting and prevent you from focusing on what you really need to do.

To get you started, we put together recommendations of our favourite study-effective music. We even made our own study playlist (that you should defs check out here).

Enjoy your holidays.

While the anticipation leading up to the start of the new school/uni year can be incredibly nerve-wracking, don’t forget to look after yourself these holidays and have fun.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed as we head closer towards first semester, so don’t feel you need to do these tips above all at once.

Reconnect with your friends these holidays and enjoy being in the moment with them – they are probably feeling the same way too!

The holidays are the time to unwind and reset. Treat yourself to some self-care; a lazy day binging Netflix, going to the shops, watching a movie, heading to the beach, a long sesh of gaming (or multiple sessions – we won’t judge). Prioritise things that will make you the most relaxed and happy.

With the holidays flying by, be sure to make the most of it. Check in with your mates, have fun and take time out for yourself – you deserve it. Just don’t forget to get yourself prepped and ready to smash out your studies in an amazing year ahead.