It’s after the MLK Holiday and that means it’s officially back to school for college students. Getting back into the swing of winter classes is never easy. For on campus students, it might mean moving back in. For commuters in cold weather climates, it means commuting in the snow. But either way, it’s time to go back to school. Here are five easy hacks to have a great winter semester back.
Start Eating Breakfast Again
Maybe you spent the whole winter break sleeping in, waking up just in time for lunch or (even better) brunch? Now that it’s back to the grind, it’s a good idea to eat breakfast again. Try a quick on the go snack like Kind Breakfast Bars. Whole grains are a great way to get sustained energy that will last you until lunch. Another energy boosting breakfast snack is whole wheat toast and peanut butter. The grains from the whole wheat and protein from the peanut are great fuel and an immediate energy boost with no crashing.
Assess Your Goals
Last semester is done. Now is a good time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t. It’s also the perfect time to think about your goals and why you are actually in school in the first place. There are a ton of amazing new tools and journals that allow you to stay on top of your academic and personal goals. The Pursuit Goal Journal is a down-to-earth method for productivity, motivation, and goal planning. Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration is an Amazon best seller that encourages young adults to take the time to get to know themselves and their dreams.
Include Physical Activity
Classes like “Trap Yoga” are popping up all over the place, like this Cardi B. -vs- Nicki Minaj one in Detroit. College isn’t like middle school where you are required to take gym, but it’s still important to get some physical activity in. Try a yoga class or hit the gym for a quick workout to keep your brain sharp and to burn all the calories from the holiday break. Most colleges have a gym for student use, if not, most gyms are waiving membership fees in January.
Try an App
Smartphones are a great way to stay organized. Since our phones are on us pretty much at all time, try downloading a study app that you can check out when you aren’t in class. Kill time in a line at a restaurant, or in the car with the homies by studying apps like: iTunes University or Quizlet. Check out this list of the 15 Best College Study Apps. 
Save Money on Books
Textbooks are always a challenge for college students. They are expensive and it seems like you use them for a short time, and then never again. Try saving money on them by renting them. Sites like Chegg or Campus Book Rentals allow you to rent your textbooks for up to 70-80% off what you would pay if you bought it from the bookstore brand new.
Utilize Campus Services
College is challenging, expensive, and stressful. Returning college students may also be facing seasonal depression or anxiety. Most colleges offer student services that range from health and wellness events and help to counseling. There may also be fun activities to take advantage of on campus that could provide a much needed break from the school grind. Check with your school’s Student Services department for assistance managing time, mental health, or more.
