Ah, the winter semester: the unsung sequel to fall’s dramatic first act. It’s like the “Part 2” of your academic year where you either rise like a phoenix or wonder why you even thought that 8 AM lecture was a good idea. Either way, it’s time to reset, recharge, and redeem yourself (and maybe your GPA).
Let’s talk about how to get your act together this winter term, without losing your mind—or your wallet.
Step 1: Ditch the Chaos and Get Organized
New semester, new chance to pretend you’re the kind of person who colour-codes their notes. The truth is, organization doesn’t have to mean turning into a Pinterest study aesthetic—though if that’s your vibe, pop off.
Start with a Planner (Digital or Old School)
Whether you’re a Google Calendar fanatic or a “write everything on sticky notes and hope for the best” person, find a system that works for you. Block out deadlines, study sessions, and even your social plans. Yes, actual plans—like “Netflix and regret at 11 PM.”
Create a Study Space That Doesn’t Suck
You know that corner of your room where your laundry lives rent-free? Reclaim it. Make a study zone where you can focus, even if that means throwing a blanket over your chair and calling it a “productivity fort.”
Apps Are Your Best Friend
There’s an app for everything: task management, flashcards, even meditation for when you realize you’ve been staring at the same paragraph for an hour. Embrace them.
Step 2: Motivation: Trick Yourself Into Caring
Motivation in January hits different (read: it’s nonexistent). But here’s the secret: you don’t need to feel motivated to get things done. You just need to trick your brain into cooperating.
The Two-Minute Rule
Tell yourself you’ll work on something for just two minutes. Often, once you start, you’ll keep going because starting is the hardest part. Plus, two minutes of work still counts as something.
Reward Yourself Shamelessly
Finished a reading? Treat yourself to a snack. Knocked out that essay? Binge an entire series guilt-free. Positive reinforcement works—just ask your dog (or your inner child).
Find a Study Buddy
Whether it’s your bestie or the random person from your lecture group chat, working with someone else can keep you on track. Bonus: they’ll guilt you into showing up when you’d rather scroll TikTok.
Step 3: Tackle That Syllabus
Let’s be honest, syllabi are the academic equivalent of terms and conditions—nobody reads them, but you probably should. The winter term is short, which means deadlines sneak up faster than your existential crisis mid-semester.
Highlight Key Dates
Midterms, assignments, group project meetings (ugh)—get them all in your calendar now so future-you doesn’t panic later.
Note the Grade Breakdown
Prioritize what matters most for your grade. Is that participation mark worth dragging yourself to every lecture? Probably. Maybe. (Okay, yes, it is.)
Clarify Expectations Early
If your prof has vague assignment instructions, don’t wait until the night before to figure it out. Ask now so you don’t suffer later.
Step 4: Budget Like a Boss
The post-holiday financial slump is real, but your wallet doesn’t have to suffer just because textbooks are highway robbery.
Be Strategic with Spending
Start with what you actually need. Pro tip: that $100 coffee table book your prof recommended is probably available for free at the library (or your classmate’s desk—borrow responsibly).
Save Big with SPC
If you’re not already saving on everything from food to entertainment, what are you even doing? Grab an SPC membership and stretch your student budget further than your last attempt at wearing skinny jeans.
And if you bank with CIBC, you get SPC+ free—yes, free. That means extra savings on premium stuff, so you can live your best bougie-on-a-budget life.
Step 5: Find Your Rhythm
The key to surviving the winter term? Routine, baby. And no, this doesn’t mean waking up at 5 AM to meditate (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, Namaste).
Set a Sleep Schedule That Doesn’t Scream “Chaos”
We get it, late-night cramming sessions are a rite of passage. But consistently bad sleep isn’t cute. Aim for something that lets you wake up feeling semi-human.
Plan Your Downtime
Burnout is real, so carve out time to relax. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, or deep-diving into conspiracy theory TikToks, do something that makes you happy.
Move Your Body
We’re not saying you need to join a gym and become a fitness influencer, but even a 10-minute walk or a random YouTube dance workout can boost your mood and energy levels. Plus, you’ll feel accomplished just for not being glued to your chair.
Step 6: Embrace the Chaos (Within Reason)
Let’s be real—no matter how much you plan, stuff happens. You’ll oversleep, miss deadlines, or forget that one quiz you swore was next week. The trick is not letting it derail you.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Struggling with a class? Email your prof. Feeling overwhelmed? Talk to a friend or counselor. People want to help, but they can’t unless you ask.
Celebrate Small Wins
Did you attend all your classes this week? Go you! Turned in that essay on time? Iconic. Recognizing your accomplishments, no matter how small, helps keep you motivated.
Step 7: Find Joy in the Little Things
Winter may not scream “good vibes,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t find moments of happiness.
Make Studying Fun (or at Least Less Awful)
Light a candle, play some lo-fi beats, and pretend you’re the main character in an indie film. Aesthetic matters—at least for your mental state.
Be Social (Even If You Don’t Feel Like It)
Dragging yourself to a club meeting or group hangout might feel like a chore, but you’ll usually leave feeling better than before. Humans are social creatures, and the winter term is way less bleak when you’ve got people to share it with.
Final Thoughts
The winter semester doesn’t have to be a slog. With a little planning, some self-motivation, and a healthy dose of humour, you can crush it like a seasoned pro. Remember, it’s all about balance: work hard, play hard, and save smart (hello, SPC).
And if it feels like the semester is out to get you, just remember—you survived 2020. You’ve got this.