As the start of a new semester is just around the corner, you may be feeling a lot of emotions. As a freshman, it may be feelings of excitement and uncertainty, but by senior year, it’s a bittersweet joy. Regardless of where you are on your college journey– the beginning, the end, or somewhere in between- there are always important things you should remember and do to ensure your school year is a healthy, happy and safe one.
First, regardless of what year of school you’re heading into, it’s important to have a decent sleep schedule. For many people, summer is filled with 3 A.M. bedtimes and waking up at noon. Even if you’ve heard the importance of a good sleep schedule repeatedly since you were in high school, it’s important to actually consider adopting a regular sleep schedule. Repeated studies have shown that poor sleep negatively impacts academic performance, mental and physical health, and our relationships with others.
The amount of sleep needed varies by person, but experts in sleep health have generally agreed on 7-9 hours for college students. I’m not suggesting you need to turn into a grandmother who goes to bed at 8 P.M. every night, or that you need to spend every night at home with your roommates. What I am saying is to consider keeping your late-night adventures to a minimum, at least for the first few weeks of school. Routines and sleep schedules are incredibly personal, so find what works for you.
Also, remember that there’s no shame in asking for help. Need a buddy to go with you to urgent care for the flu? Feeling lost and confused with your classes or your major? Crying for two days straight because you miss your dog? All normal things to experience! Asking for help is hard and vulnerable, but just think about what could happen if you didn’t. Chances are, the person you’re asking for help has been in the same situation or a similar one as you. So if you’re feeling big emotions or experiencing big and tricky things this semester, ask for help.
Much like sleep and having a good support system, making sure you’re eating regularly and drinking water helps tremendously, too. We’ve all heard about the “Freshman 15,” but I want you to put that aside for a second. Making sure you eat at least three balanced, nutritious meals a day – meals with adequate protein and carbohydrates to give you energy– that is the most important thing. Also, drink water. I know, it’s said so much nowadays, but coming from someone who forgets to drink water more than she drinks it, you feel so much better when you drink enough water versus when you don’t.
Making sure you’re well-rested, well-fed, well-hydrated, and well-supported ensures you’ll have a happy, fun and safe first semester- no matter if it’s your first ever semester or your final one.
