It’s easy to feel a bit lost right before the start of a new term. New modules, new teachers, and a brand new year to make your own. Here are 10 things you have to add to your to-do list before the start of the new term. Because the last thing we want is to show up late to a lecture without a notebook!
- Quick Recap of Last Term
A great way to get your brain warmed up for a new term is to have a quick little recap of last term’s modules. Get those cogs working whilst possibly picking up on something new you did not notice last term.
It is also beneficial to read through your old notes as there might be certain recurring topics that could be good to remember a little extra for the new term. Nothing is as good as revision!
2. Buy New Stationary
The best thing on the to-do list for all the stationary lovers out there. New notebooks for the new modules, new pens or ink, maybe even some new colourful post-its, everything you could possibly need to make notes in the new term.
Some new organising folders and binders to organise your old documents from the previous term. Anything to avoid an unorganised binder full of papers…
If you are not a fan of physical notebooks, do not worry, instead of sorting out notebooks you can organise your digital documents into folders covering topics, modules and/or the term. It will make it easier to look back at old notes, and help you use previous readings as references and resources for future assignments.
3. Prepare Your Working Space
If you are anything like me, as soon as the desk is not used for university work it gets covered with other stuff… Clothes, plates, bags, you name it, it always ends up on the desk. So to avoid the stressful night-before cleaning or the famous move-it-to-the-bed clean, take a day and properly organise your space.
Make sure you have got your stationary where you want it, the chargers where they need to be, and maybe give the surface a wipe. A clean workspace will allow you to fully focus on your uni-work and help relieve stress.
4. Look Through Your New Modules
Whilst it might feel a bit extra to have a look through your modules before the start of the term, it can be a great opportunity to familiarise yourself a little with the content. Might be some topics that you have some previous knowledge of, or some that you have never heard about before which you now have time to look further into before the term starts.
Apart from doing some research of your own before the start of the term, you can also oragnise your reading list. This might take the pressure and stress of off your weekly readings by knowing you have them evenly spread out and covered before your exams.
If you want to know more study tips, have a look at our blog post The Ultimate Student Study Guide.
5. Check Your Wardrobe
Might seem like an unexpected point on your to-do list, but getting your wardrobe orgnaised before your new term can really help when getting dressed in the morning. Donating unwanted items, and making sure everything is nice and clean will help you get off to the right start of the day that you deserve.
It is also good to make sure you have clothes suitable for the day. Office wear for your placement year, or the right type of clothes to wear underneath a lab coat. Whatever it is, make sure you are ready, all to avoid the stress on the morning of your first day of term!
6. Get Your Bag Ready
As important as it is to get your desk ready for the new term, it is to get your bag ready for campus. Make sure you give your bag a good clean by removing everything you will not need next term. Pack all your essentials in good time, such as a spare charger, spare pens (recommended even if you only take digital notes), some snacks, and a good water bottle, as well as some emergency painkillers.
Packing your bag in advance will help you make sure not to forget anything on your first day.
7. Find a New Society
Lots of societies recruit new members at the beginning of every term, so now is a perfect time to join a new society. Universities often arrange re-freshers, where you as a student can meet lots of different societies and get to know more about them. This is a great event to go to, and there is no downside to planning a little beforehand. Have a look on your union website as to what societies might be interesting for you, and have a look at their social media and on how to join them.
Societies are great ways to meet other students and make more friends, as well as to expand your network… LinkedIn! We also have some tips on how to find good soceities, and how to survive them!
8. Apply for Part-Time Jobs
Finding a part-time job can sometimes feel super time-consuming, so now is a great time to apply for some new jobs. There are more benefits to having a part-time job during university other than getting paid and being able to add it to your CV.
Speaking of which, now is also a good time to update your CV, with some help from our CV guide. If you are unsure of what types of part-time jobs you can get during university there are plenty of options out there, such as student ambassador or online tutoring.
9. Buy Food and Meal Prep
Buying food and meal prepping can sound both boring and over-ambitious. However, we all know how the first day back ends up if there is no pre-made food at home, it’s a cheeky meal deal for lunch and a cheap frozen pizza for dinner. Whilst it will taste amazing, it will be both cheaper and healthier for you and your brain if you prepare your lunches and dinners for the week the day before.
Even more important is to remember to have breakfast at home. The most important meal of the day and so easily forgotten. Whether you like to have breakfast on the go or whilst getting ready in the morning, a good meal will set you up for success and give you the energy you need for the day.
10. Rest and Sleep Schedule
A tale as old as time, but getting enough sleep is super important. It is the time your body and brain get to recover and recharge for the new day ahead. How are we meant to do well at university if our brains and bodies have not recharged?
Implementing a sleep schedule might sound a little weird but getting a regular amount of hours each night, around the same time of the day, will help you feel more well-rested in the morning and tired when it is time to sleep.
Some recommend eight hours of sleep per night, but it is completely up to you. By having a consistent sleep schedule you will find out the right amount of hours for you to be at your very best for the new term!
