Students, welcome back from Fall Break! We hope you’re feeling rested and ready to tackle the remainder of the semester. Before things get too hectic, here’s a checklist to help you get back into the swing of things and stay on track for success.
1. Schedule a Health Checkup with Your Advisor
Fall Break is the perfect time to regroup and make sure you’re on track academically. Whether you’re thinking about next semester or graduation, it’s important to ensure you’re meeting all your academic requirements.
Priority registration begins in early November, so schedule a meeting with your advisor now to discuss your next steps or join us for Drop-in Advising (available in person or on zoom) Mondays from 3:00-4:00 on the 6th floor of Patterson Office Tower or by Zoom.
Advising will help you confirm that you’re registered for the right classes and on track for any specializations or certificates you’re pursuing. Don’t wait—slots fill up quickly this time of year!
2. Add Important Deadlines to Your Calendar
Staying organized is crucial, especially when it comes to deadlines for campus initiatives and opportunities. Be sure to look at your calendar on myUK and add reminders for important exams, projects and milestones!
Here are a few upcoming dates to consider adding in addition:
Priority Registration for Spring Classes: Priority registration for the Spring 2025 semester begins on Nov. 4. Please make sure to meet with your advisor to remove your advisor hold before priority registration begins!
Scholarship Opportunities: Many UK scholarships have deadlines in November, checkout UKs “Scholarship Universe” site to stay on track and informed!
Apply to Speak at the December 2024 Commencement Ceremony: If you want to represent your class at graduation, applications are open now! Apply here.
3. Study Tips to Get Back in the Groove
It’s normal to feel a little disoriented after a break, so here are a few study strategies to help you refocus:
– Reserve a Study Room at William T. Library: Need a quiet place to study? You can easily reserve a study room at the William T. Library through their online system. Perfect for solo sessions or group projects.
– Set Up a Zoom Meeting with Your Professor: If you need help catching up or reviewing materials, don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. Most faculty are available for virtual office hours. Just send a quick email to set up a Zoom meeting, and you’ll be back on track in no time!
– Find a study place that works for you! Not everyone prefers the quiet environment of the library– consider adventuring out in your community and going to a local coffee shop! For those in Lexington, check out this list of coffee spots.
4. Productivity Mapping Tools
Procrastination can sneak up on all of us, but with the right strategy, you can get ahead and stay productive. Here are a couple of tried-and-true methods to boost your productivity:
– Eat the Frog: Start your day by tackling the biggest, most daunting task first (the “frog”). Once it’s out of the way, everything else will feel easier. This is a great way to avoid procrastination and stay productive.
– The Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four rounds, take a longer break. This method helps break up long tasks and keeps you focused.
– Asana/Microsoft Calendar: Organize your tasks visually! Tools like Asana allow you to create boards and move tasks from “to-do” to “done,” while Microsoft Calendar can help you map out due dates and meetings with reminders.
5. Incorporate Self-Care Practices
With holidays, midterms and weather changes just around the corner, it’s important to practice self-care, in a way that is meaningful and impactful to you. Through a new partnership with Headspace, students have access, at no cost to the entire headspace library. Learn more here.
For other self-care tips, checkout this article.
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Getting back from Fall Break doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By taking a few proactive steps now, you can set yourself up for a smooth end to the semester. Let’s finish strong, Wildcats!
