Breaking in the Spring Semester With Key Study & Planning Tips

Students can implement effective strategies to aid in handling a heavy class schedule, schoolwork and a hefty day-to-day agenda.

Returning to the bustle of campus following winter break can feel like a complete shock to a student’s routine – or lack thereof. The restful days of minimal work are replaced with an arduous college semester that comes at students with full force. Transitioning to ‘student-mode’ presents challenges like any endeavor, but fortunately, there are several methods to break in this spring semester in an organized and focused way.

Study The Syllabus

A syllabus is like a roadmap to a college course. Familiarizing yourself with upcoming assignments, whether the professor assigns textbook chapters or three page essays, will eliminate the possibility of being blindsided by the coursework load throughout the semester. If students know what is specifically required of them, they can try to use this as inspiration to be proactive and give themselves a head start. This ensures that students are not overwhelmed with unknown assignments later on.

Many students are in the midst of balancing work in addition to a dense class schedule. Beginning each week by reviewing the syllabus and completing lighter assignments as soon as possible can enable students to free up their time for working and spending time with friends. Additionally, drafting longer-term projects early in the semester, provided that the professor has given instructions, can serve students well when other bulky assign-

Sydnie Stern | Feb. 22, 2023

ments materialize on their to-do lists. Working on larger, more energy-consuming assignments throughout the semester reduces – and possibly eliminates – the stress of pulling an all-nighter the evening before the assignment is due.

Tuesday afternoons to work on Biology and Wednesdays to study for Ethics — will keep a sense of structure in your schedule. Another benefit is that it creates much-needed and well-deserved free time. If you complete assignments consistently on certain days, you’re able to spend time with friends or relax and recharge for the next wave of work that is bound to roll in.

Consider Past Strategies

In addition to organizational and schedule skills, reflection is another way to improve your semester and progress from the previous one. Returning students should think about the aspects of their work routine that produced successful results. Freshman students should consider their high school experience and how they want to enhance their academic aptitude differently as a college student.

Rest as Needed

Find the Balance

Struggling to locate a break for downtime is not unusual. Time management is one of the top challenges faced by college students. To combat the perpetual cycle of work quickly piling up, devise a consistent homework schedule. For instance, selecting a specific time and day — like

If students recall feeling exhausted frequently during class time, ensure that this semester they allow themselves to rest adequately on school days. Students who have a tendency to procrastinate can counteract this urge by starting assignments in a timely manner. It’s never too late in the semester to turn bad habits around and implement positive ones. During the rat race that is college life, embracing each week as an opportunity to advance will allow students to uncover a personalized, consistent and effective set of academic habits.

Spring Break 2023: How Do Students Plan to Spend Their Recess?

The Torch asked St. John’s students of their spring break plans.

Olivia Seaman | Feb. 22, 2023

It’s only one month into the spring 2023 semester at St. John’s University, and students are already planning their spring break adventures. In a winter filled with highs of 60 degrees and lows of 10, SJU students embark on new locations for the upcoming week-long break from Feb. 27 to March 4. The Torch asked students of their spring break plans and how they plan to spend their time away from the stresses of homework and exams.

Sophomore Julia Parkinson plans to travel to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for the break. Staying at an all-inclusive resort with her friends, she looks forward to “relaxing by the beach and soaking up the sun.”

“I’m so excited to see what the island has to offer and enjoy a much needed break from the spring semester,” Parkinson said.

Punta Cana stands as the eighth best spring break destination for college students, according to the U.S. News & World Report. Complete with sunny beaches and exciting nightlife, the Caribbean destination is budget-friendly, especially for young students.

Parkinson is not the only student traveling outside the United States. Soph- omore Kaitlyn Blanck plans to embark on a week-long trip to Madrid as part of a St. John’s course.

“I’m going to Madrid with my marketing class for 10 days. I’m super excited to go on corporate trips and to explore Spain,” Blanck said.

Blanck hopes to enrich herself in other cultures and experience new personal and professional opportunities while in Spain. “It’s important to me that I build my independence on this trip,” she said, “while making meaningful connections with my classmates as well.”

Senior Adrian Mokbel is visiting a friend in Syracuse, New York. “I’m most looking forward to spending quality time with my best friend and enjoying skiing and exploring upstate [New York],” Mokbel said. He’s also excited to experience authentic winter weather, “something we really haven’t had in Queens.”

Sophomore Ava Lasalandra plans to visit her family’s beach house in New Jersey. “I’m excited to visit my family and friends,” Lasalandra said. “We like to walk the boardwalks and eat at local restaurants, especially Belmar’s Marina Grille.” She enjoys the time away from school to reconnect with her hometown friends and rest.

Many plan on using the break to spend time at home with family. “I’ll be home watching my dogs,” sophomore Erin McRae said. “I’m going home to Long Island for the break, and I’m most excited for the rest, relaxation and home cooked meals,” McRae said Whether students seek sunshine or much-needed time with family, Johnnies are staying busy and making the most out of their break.