So September is here, and what an optimistic time it is. Everyone is fresh and raring to go after a long summer break, excited to see old friends or ready to meet new ones, and eager to get stuck into their studies (right?). What better time to make small changes in order to get the most out of your year!
Here Student Blogger Selection member Kamogelo (pictured) shares her tips for a great academic year – from her blog ‘From 18 to Life’…
Have you ever heard the saying ‘New year, new me’? It’s annoying, isn’t it? Especially on 1st January when you’re pretty sure you feel the same as you did 10 minutes ago. But, there is a way that you can bring about a change this school year. Maybe not in 10 minutes, but you can do it.
It’s back-to-school season and people are preparing to start new chapters in their lives (ahem, me) or continue from where they left off two months ago. Whatever your case may be, here are a few things you can do to improve yourself this new (school) year…
1. Volunteer
Whenever someone asks you what you want to be, there’s a 101.9% chance that you will say something along the lines of ‘make a change’, ‘help people’, ‘do good’. You say all this, and I’m sure you mean it, but you’re there sitting in your room reading my post (lol please stay). My point is, take action. You want to make a change? Volunteer! It can be for 5 minutes or 5 weeks, you’re guaranteed to feel proud of yourself. Sites like Do It and Unicef are good places to start, and it looks so good on your CV.
2. Save money
It’s the beginning of the school year and we’re spending like it’s the Christmas season. New books, new bags, new shoes, new clothes, etc. Once the semester actually starts, you’ll probably have close to nothing left. Especially with stores like Asos and Office that will make you go crazy with sales every other week. But just… take a deep breath… yep that’s it. Inhale… now exhale. Save. Your. Money. For your distant future or for a festival you want to go to tomorrow. Resist all the Starbucks and eating out 24/7. You’ll thank me later.
3. Cook more
Ever since I’ve had to involuntarily cook, I’ve enjoyed it less, as it’s just another chore. But it’s fun to experiment with different spices. (Don’t ask me what spices I use, because I don’t know – if it looks pretty and smells nice, into the pot it goes.) I like creating different things and laughing at my fails. Maybe you’re bored of ramen noodles. Just spice them up a bit, and you’ll be surprised at what you can do. Cook for you flatmates or your family!
4. Try a new sport/hobby
I’m thinking of taking up swimming. Now, I am from a landlocked desert of a country. I am not accustomed to liquid environments. I always say that I’m not related to a fish, therefore I shall not swim. I’m perfectly (lies) capable of swimming from point A to B, but only by force, like if I’m about to drown or something. But swimming for fun? Never thought of it. But you know what? You only live once (and no, this is not a Drake reference). You actually do. So use the time that you have on this planet to do anything and everything (that’s legal, of course). Who knows, maybe you’ll find something that you love!
5. Relax
You probably like the sound of that. Re… Lax. And by relax, I don’t mean lay in bed all day and watch Netflix. I mean don’t overwork yourself. Maintain a work/life balance. If you have important exams coming up, you tend to stress about it. But try not to. Study all you need to but when you feel like you need a break, take one. What’s the point in pushing yourself past your breaking point? It’ll only go downhill from there. Learn to treat yourself to an afternoon off with some friends once in a while. It really helps you focus!
So there you go – 5 tips for a great academic year. If you’ve enjoyed reading Kamogelo’s post, then be sure to keep up with her fantastic blog From 18 to Life.
Are you a keen student blogger who would also like to join The Student Blogger Selection? Then don’t be shy – here’s how!
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