By Kezia Bryant
For some University of Louisville students and professors alike, it may seem like just yesterday they were waiting for final exams to be out of the way, and looking forward to winter break.
Now, with the weeks of winter break dissolving away, it may be difficult for students to come to terms with a new semester beginning.
“I’m not ready. I want to stay home and sleep in, but I do miss the ladies,” said Jermaine Stafford, a freshman business finance major.
One can be left with a plethora of mixed feelings about the next semester.
Of course, there is the fervor that a fresh set of classes and being back with friends brings.
However, along with those are the memories from last semester’s 10-page papers, days packed with back to back classes and virtually sleepless nights.
After spending several weeks indulging in home-cooked meals, quality time with the family and old friends, and days spent dozing in front of the TV, it could be hard for students to happily bounce right back into the rigid and for the most part, chaotic routine of college life.
“It’s going to be a big adjustment,” said Gerald Reed,?a junior whose major is undecided.
Even so, there are several ways to ward off the symptoms of a lethargic break, according to “Getting back into the swing,” by Katharine Donnelly, that include: exercising, re-decorating, re-stocking supplies, creating a three-day weekend and getting involved.
Exercising is a great way to rehabilitate mind and body after all the holiday eating and sleeping, and it is not hard to find a gym.
There is a gym available to students that is located in the Student Activity Center that students can get into for free daily.
Another way to get back to normal is by re-decorating the shoebox dorm rooms many students call home.
This could be therapeutic while also starting the new year off right.
For instance, students could try bunking the beds for more space and replacing old pictures with new ones.
Even small changes like these can be refreshing stated Donnelly.
Re-stocking office supplies may not sound very exciting but it is hard to deny that urge to head to a Wal-Mart or Staples at the start of a new semester and buy all the brightest highlighters, pens and sticky notes, and stock up on clean, crisp notebook and computer paper.
So go ahead, indulge.
One of the perks of being a college student is being able to make one’s own schedule of classes.
If possible, fill up the week through Thursday, leaving Friday open for anything.
It may help to provide more time to do the things on that “to-do list” and to enjoy some extra time with friends.
Lastly, it is important to get involved.
Besides the many opportunities to get involved on campus, there are ways to join in off-campus as well.
Find a job, do volunteer work in the community or look for internships.
“I’m not feeling ready at all. I’ll probably struggle and complain at first but I’ll get over it,” said Aryica Everhart a freshman communication major.
Remember, the sooner a routine is established the smoother the transition will be and college will feel like home again.
