After a long winter break, it can feel strange coming back to Ithaca. Starting with a new set of classes and sudden jump into all that is Cornell can be overwhelming and draining. So, here are some quick tips and reminders to get back into the groove of spring semester.
Understand that it’s a period of change.
Your spring course schedule may not be confirmed yet and that is completely okay. Classes might not end up being what you expected and there can be a lot of pressure to decide what to take and when, finding the balance between meeting distribution requirements and taking subjects you truly enjoy. This is all a part of the process. Although quite stressful and hectic, find ways to communicate. Talk to your friends, email professors, and set up appointments with your advisors. Conversations can always share new perspectives on specific courses and approaches to these kinds of scheduling situations. Do not be afraid to send cold emails to professors, as many are open and ready to explain their rules and standards for waitlists, prerequisites, and all other details related to their classes. Your counselors and advisors can also help to recommend courses that fit within some of the empty spaces you are trying to fill. Be sure to keep track of add and drop deadlines, but do not beat yourself up for making mistakes in an already confusing time.
Small steps to success.
Starting your semester doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Take advantage of the resources around you. Visit your college’s career center (like the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center) and get your resume or cover letter critiqued to feel even more prepared through the support of others. There are also many on –campus workshops about topics like job search, careers in different concentrations, and alumni related events that you can attend to gain further insight. Being open to learning about these stressors can not only relieve uneasiness, but also help you feel ready and prepared for the semester and other career related endeavors.
Visuals and writing.
Starting your semester doesn’t have to be something you do alone. Take advantage of the resources around you. Visit your college’s career center (like the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center) and get your resume or cover letter critiqued to feel even more prepared through the support of others. There are also many on-campus workshops about topics like job search, careers in different concentrations, and alumni related events that you can attend to gain further insight. Being open to learning about these stressors can not only relieve uneasiness, but also help you feel ready and prepared for the semester and other career related endeavors.
A good way to stay organized is by using a visual approach. Creating to do lists, using a planner, writing on a calendar, etc. are all great ways to plan and organize. Getting things down physically and visually reduces the clutter and confusion in your head. Although this seems obvious and easy, it makes a huge difference. You can stay motivated and excited for all that is to come. So, start brainstorming, writing out your assignment deadlines, and highlighting important events, both academic and personal.
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Hopefully, these three tips help you feel ready for the spring. Remember to make time for yourself. Go see the movie you’ve been dying to see, reconnect with friends, try to talk to new people in your classes, visit the Commons, or anything else that excites you. Reaching academic and extracurricular goals is a priority, but so is finding that balance between school and relaxation.
Good luck this semester and be sure to stop by the Career Exploration Center for a conversation and any advice on all things career related!