The ideal semester would look something like this: 12 credits, 20 hours a week of work, and plenty of time to spend with friends and going to Maverick hockey games. Unfortunately, not every semester can be this perfect. Sometimes you find yourself looking at a semester of 18 credit hours and 20 hours of work. That seems like a headache. Luckily, ACDC has put together some tips to save your sanity in credit-heavy semesters.
Take Some Credits Online
One way to help create a more flexible schedule amidst several classes and a strict work schedule is to take a few online courses. Taking one to two courses online will allow you to free up more time during your week to take classes that are only available at that time and to help set up a more consistent work schedule. For online classes, the work for the week opens up on Monday and the assignments are due Sunday nights at midnight, allowing you to complete the work at times most convenient for you and your schedule.
Become Besties with your Calendar
Crazy semesters require intense time management skills and organization. To survive these semesters, it’s crucial that you get very familiar with your calendar and planner. For the students who are avid planner users, I applaud you and respect you. But for others who struggle to stay on top of your planner, we have some other options for you. One great tool is the Canvas To-Do List. This is a place in your Canvas account that you can find the assignments from all of your classes organized by due-date that you are able to check-off once completed. However, not only can your professors add To-Do List items, but so can you. If there is something you need to do for a class but it is technically not an assignment, you can add it to your Canvas To-Do List, assign it a course and a due date, and it will be added and look just like your other assignments in your To-Do List. If you prefer Google Suites, you can also use Google Calendar to organize your assignments. Yet another option would be to print out your class schedules that professors usually upload on Canvas and either hang it on your wall or carry it with you to visualize when you need to complete your homework or studies.
Schedule Class-Days Wisely
Along with taking some credits online, try to leave one weekday open dedicated to those online classes, work or an internship. To make this possible, it is important to schedule the majority of your classes on the same days. This may make for longer days on campus, but it will keep other days available for working, homework, interviewing or any other significant appointments or errands. This free day will help you to catch your breath in the marathon that is your semester.
Would you like some guidance as an undecided major with your academic advising from an ACDC Career Advisor? Schedule an academic advising appointment through Handshake or call us at 402.554.3672.
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