Time for School!!!

Summer 2010 is almost over. I hate that I have to say that, but it’s true. I move back to school in two days, and even though I am very upset about going back, I am also a little excited!  However, the excitement that comes with going back to school can be an invitation for many distractions. So how exactly can you go back to school and not get distracted by all the excitement?

-Stay organized- Even though it’s easy to be organized and clean the first week of school, that can all go away after the first week is over. Instead, STAY organized. Clean up after yourself each day and make sure everything has a place at the end of each night. Staying organized, especially in your study place will help keep you focused instead of constantly being distracted.

-Stay on top of your studies- No matter what, stay ahead of your studies instead of falling behind. Use a planner and write in all important days as soon as you find them out. Also, read every night so all of your material is fresh on your mind each day.

-Exercise daily- Making a plan to exercise daily will help you to fall into a routine, and once a routine is set into place, distractions are harder to find. Also, exercising for even 30 minutes a day is a way to keep healthy. Walking outside, especially while it is still nice out, is always a good routine to set for yourself. And it never hurts to get some fresh air!

-Get sleep- Adequate sleep is needed to do well in school. However, the less sleep you get, the less focused you can become which results in more distractions. With the right amount of sleep, it is easier to remain focused and concentrated on your studies and the more important things.

-Establish rules-Whether you are rooming with an old roommate or a new one, be sure to establish rules and boundaries, especially when it comes to study time. Having issues with a roommate can cause a lot of unwanted stress. Extra stress can really open doors for distraction, as most times a difficult roommate can make you want to leave your room or apartment for hours at a time. Setting up rules with your roommate can block out a lot of unnecessary distractions, and help you stay concentrated.

While it is important to stay focused immediately after starting school, make sure you do leave time for some fun. Spend time with your friends each night and take some time out of each day to relax and have some time to yourself! And enjoy the last few months we have of warm weather, because pretty soon, we will be wearing our boots!

Alle Vargo is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is an Integrated Marketing Communications major at Duquesne University. She is an Alpha Sigma Tau alum. She is so sad that summer is coming to and end, but so excited to move back to school!