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How to use your college vacation wisely

Congratulations, collegian! After a semester of hard work, you’ve earned a well-deserved rest. Enjoy the holidays, spend time with family and old friends, and don’t drink too much eggnog.

Many of our students have been asking whether there is anything they can do over the break to make sure they get off to a strong start in the spring semester. The answer is a definite YES. Here are three easy steps our Ivy League coaches recommend to make sure you get back to campus ready to rock:

1) Know what courses you are taking. We’re all for shopping period, but make sure that you have mapped out what courses you need to take for your major and general graduation requirements well in advance. The power of shopping period is to let you test out a few fun courses you’d like to add to your schedule. It is not supposed to be a time to add and drop classes with abandon. There is nothing worse than falling behind at the beginning of the semester, and nothing better than having a firm plan in hand to guide you.

2) Order your books. You can always return or sell them if you don’t end up needing them. The prepared student arrives at lecture on day 1 with books in hand. The prepared student who wants to save money can rent books or order them used — from your college bookstore is ok, but you’re likely to find better deals online. Try half.com, abebooks.com, or alibris.com. Don’t be intimidated by the release of new textbook editions — email your professor and ask whether you can order a previous version (which can go for up to a 90% discount). You’ll be surprised at how often the answer is yes.

Want to unload old textbooks from last semester? See what they’ll pay you at textbookwheel.com.

3) Do Due Diligence. You should have a good sense of which spring courses will pose the most challenge to you. Get ahead of the curve by talking to friends who have already taken that class about  what the hardest topics are. Ask to borrow their notes, as well as any old quizzes or exams they kept. By gathering as many resources as possible at the beginning, you will know what is coming and set yourself up for success.

4) Relax. Really. Your brain needs a rest. Spend at least a few days vegging and doing your favorite activities with people you like. Read, watch tv, clear your mind and enjoy. When you go back to campus you’re not going to want to miss a beat. Recharge now so you don’t have to.

Happy holidays from The Newcastle Tutors family!

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Posted on: Friday, December 23rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm

Posted in: college tutors, Study tips

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