Well, I’m finally home for the summer! And after a week of laying on the couch in a low level panic over not having a job just yet, I figured I should probably stay productive or risk getting stuck in a rut (again). So I’ve done the unthinkable – I’ve started thinking about next semester already. I have some pretty big goals for my junior year, so I know I’ll need to be well prepared. I imagine you guys have plans for next year, too, and getting started early can’t hurt. If you’re itching to be proactive this summer, here are 5 little steps you can take to get your productivity fix.
How to Prep for Next Semester Over the Summer
Buy a Planner
If you’re the planner-keeping type, I really recommend using one formatted to the academic year – usually a 12 month one that goes from July-July, or August-August. That way, you don’t have to switch planners in the middle of the school year. If you keep an eye out for the perfect planner over the summer, you’ll be less stressed when you start getting your other school supplies. If you’re not a planner-keeper, consider converting – I know that’s my plan for next year. (Morgan has a great guide to getting started here!)
Research Professors
If you haven’t checked Rate My Professor for next semester’s instructors yet, now’s the perfect time to do it. Former students leave all sorts of important reminders there, but if they’re not listed, there are other channels. Most colleges have year- or major-specific Facebook groups – try posting in a few asking about next semester’s professors.
Buy Books
A lot of professors release their readings lists well in advance, so you can skip out on the bookstore lines at the start of the semester if you search for the books online over the summer. And other students who missed a textbook buyback deadline might be willing to cut you a deal if you can get into contact with them now. (Speaking of – anyone need a copy of John Okada’s No No Boy?)
Three guesses as to what my major is. But if it takes you more than one we can’t be friends.
Take Stock
No shame – I do almost all my back to school shopping at WalMart. Questionable company ethics and customer fashion aside, it’s a cheap and easy way to get everything I need. But a lot of times I’ll end up forgetting one thing, or with duplicates of another. If you take stock of all the supplies you have, and the ones you need, now as you unpack, your life will be a little easier later.
Clear Out
Confession time: I’ve been home a week and almost all my stuff is still packed. But what I have unpacked, I’ve also thinned out. When you’re moving out of your dorm or apartment, it’s a little sentimental. Maybe it’s just me, but keeping that movie ticket stub or free shirt or cheap gadget seems like a great way to remember the year… Until it goes home and ends up in the giant pile of other mementoes I’ve never looked at again. If you’re like me, take this chance to purge the things you don’t really need.
What are your plans for the summer?
I mean, after you follow every step on this list, of course. Anyone have exciting summer jobs or internships? Research opportunities or fun vacations? I’d love to hear about your summer plans!
