Getting in the Back-to-School State of Mind
Get a fresh start at University of Arkansas Grantham this Fall
As summer winds down and we start seeing empty pools, displays of pens, paper and notebooks, and big yellow buses, that can only mean one thing: It is back-to-school time again. And after the year we’ve all had, getting back to school could be just the return to routine you’re looking for.
No matter if you are continuing from one term to another (or even if you’re just thinking about continuing your education), this time of year still feels like a great time to get back into the swing of your school routine.
The next new start in an online degree program at UA Grantham is an opportunity to have your best year yet! Whether it is your first year or your fourth, whether you’ve been in school all summer or you’re coming back after a long hiatus, a fresh start to the fall session can help set you up for success for your upcoming courses and beyond.
Create a routine
One of the best ways to make sure you stay on top of your schedule is to make sure you know what it is! Having a regular routine in place provides stability and predictability—and frees up energy for getting things done and not getting stuck worrying about what is coming up next.
Many of us found it easy to lose track of time during the pandemic, abandoning our regular patterns and plans without the usual social obligations and calendars of events. Getting back to school this fall is a chance to hit the reset button and start new habits and routines to be successful.
Draw up your calendar in advance and coordinate it with your family members or roommates. And don’t hesitate to schedule everything from discussion posts and due dates to grocery shopping and time to work out. Time can slip away quickly without prioritizing the tasks and activities that are most important to you. Productivity starts with planning, as long as you stick with it.
Back to school, back to sleep
If a routine is important, sleep is critical—and not just to your general well-being. It also impacts your motivation and productivity. If you’ve been staying up late all summer or even all year, now is the time to start prioritizing your rest again.
With millions more professionals working from home these days, the line between work life and home life is easily blurred—often to the detriment of our sleep. Screen time is up, and quality rest is down. But getting good sleep on a regular basis helps you stay sharp by giving your mind and body a chance to recuperate and prepare to be energized and focused the next day.
Try to go to bed at the same time each night. Wake up the same each morning. And avoid taking too many naps, no matter how tempting it is to sneak in a quick snooze between video calls. Also consider focusing on good sleep hygiene: Minimize light, keep the temperature cool, and turn off all your screens (at least an hour before bedtime, if possible).
Reliable computer, supplies and more
Don’t get caught without the tools you need to be a good student. It may be tempting to wait until the last moment to get your school supplies, but your sanity will appreciate having everything ready to go in advance. It’s important to test your computer access, internet service, and anything else you need to complete your coursework. If you are enrolling in a degree program from UA Grantham, you’ll have the opportunity to get a brand-new laptop at no cost with all the software you need to do your classwork.
With technology evolving rapidly, particularly in response to the influx of remote work and at-home schooling, the time is now to ensure you have everything you’ll need for the next school session. Preparation now can prevent some anxious moments down the road.
One more thing: At UA Grantham, we are committed to helping each of our students succeed in an online learning environment and in life. That is why we offer students services like the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), the Veteran Support, whitepapers and webinars, and our Career Services team—so you can find the support you need both in and out of the virtual classroom. Plus, your dedicated student advisor will be there whenever you need a hand to answer your questions and help guide you along the way even when the road gets bumpy.
Bonus tips!
Get organized
An organized physical space can promote an organized mental space. Clean out your old files (including your digital ones), create a dedicated study space, and get ready to get to work.
Be wary of the Internet
Being an online school is great and the internet can be a great way to do research, get answers to questions, and communicate with your peers. But it can also lead to a rabbit hole of web searches, hanging out on social media, and getting caught up on email. Be careful and cautious of your time.
Keep your eye on the prize
When things get tough, whether it’s an assignment you’re struggling with or worries about what’s going on in the world, remember why you’re investing in your education. Earning your degree is an important milestone toward your career goals—keep going!
Give yourself a break
Working hard is important, but getting great grades at the expense of your sanity is not a good way to start the school year. Keep space in your days for hobbies, family, and time to just breathe.
Ready for a successful school year at Grantham University? Classes start every month, so your back-to-school season can start any time! Talk to our admissions team today to learn more and to begin the enrollment process.