From Sororities to Syllabi: Getting Straight A’s All Across the Board the CL Way

With winter break over, the countdown to spring recruitment starts now! While it may seem far off for some of you, it never hurts to take the initiative to prepare for the busy weeks ahead. While recruitment is a crucial time for every chapter, sometimes we forget that we’re students first! Whether you’re learning new songs or perhaps understanding the hang of things on the other side of the process – grab a pen and jot these tips down. A classy College Lifestyles co-ed maintains confidence in all endeavors when it comes to supporting the Panhellenic community or cracking down on the books!

Coffee. Photo: subnet24/Flickr

Check your syllabus! There’s nothing worse than coming home from a day spent clapping away to the tunes of Anchors and Sisters only to realize you have a 7 page paper due – trust me! One way to ensure that your night isn’t riddled with never-ending coffee cups or empty Red Bull cans, check your syllabus at least a week in advance. Not only will you be one step ahead of the game, but turning this into a permanent habit will lead to more rest and a healthier lifestyle as well!

Pack a study bag. Now that recruitment practice is done for the night, rather than waste precious time running back and forth from your chapter to your apartment back to the library – bring a pack with you! Before you leave for the day, grab a bag or backpack and bring the following essentials: snacks, bottled water, a comfortable change of clothes, textbooks, laptop, chargers for your phone AND computer, and a pair of earphones! And don’t forget that one essential that won’t fit in your bag – a friend. Nothing keeps you motivated like a good study buddy that’s also determined to get work done.

I just couldn't resist! Photo:JHall59/Flickr

Get some sleep! During this time of the year, sororities are working endlessly to ensure that Spring Recruitment will run smoothly and successfully. While you’re putting in all the hours and hard work to bring in a great, classy, and sassy new member class – don’t forget about yourself! While we’ve all pulled the classic all-nighter here and there (Hello Finals Week!), putting off sleep for an entire week or longer is not healthy! Eight hours is the recommended hours of sleep we should all be getting everyday for a reason! Help yourself get back on track and schedule your time efficiently.

Speak up. If you know this week is going to be hectic, don’t be afraid to turn to your teacher for help. Now, I’m not saying to email your professor to get extension after extension on a paper due this week! However, your professor’s will understand should this not be an every week occurrence. Last year my English professor understood my predicament and had seen through out the semester that I wasn’t a slacker – she allowed me to hand my paper in class, rather than the night before. Not only did I wake up feeling refreshed, but I was also able to write without trying endlessly to keep my eyes open or filling up another coffee pot.

Homework. Photo: crysb/Flickr

Hand it in early. If you don’t feel comfortable asking your teacher for an extension on a project, paper, or homework – you don’t have to! Instead, incorporate the tips mentioned above and you’ll find that most of the time you’ll be able to hand items in early. Not only will you be lightening the load for the following week, but you’ll also be showing your teacher that you’re prepared and have taken the initiative to get things done.

If you have some go-to tips for classy Greek coeds, don’t hesitate to share with your fellow College Lifestyles readers by commenting above!

Kaitlyn Monteiro is a junior at Syracuse University studying English & Textual Studies and Psychology.  With a Starbucks in hand, you can find her at the local Barnes & Noble updating her Tumblr, buying the latest Glamour, and checking on the Pittsburgh Steeler’s score!