The spring 2025 semester is set to begin on Jan. 22, and one thing is certain: it will bring new opportunities and new challenges. Getting into the right mindset now can pay off all semester long, according to experts at the Center for Counseling and Wellness at St. Joseph’s University, New York.

“Nurturing our thoughts is key to well-being, to productivity, to truly living life on purpose,” said Dr. Tara Maddalena, director of counseling and wellness at SJNY.

The Center is designed to support all aspects of the SJNY community, empowering students to build upon their strengths, resources and resiliency, and help them attain their academic aspirations while becoming positive and productive members of society.

“Focus on time management. Grab a planner and keep track of your assignments. Pencil in how much time you’d like to allow yourself for your tasks, including self care! Set reasonable goals for the week. It is easy to lose steam when taking on too much. Go in with your intention and stay aware of your mindset,” added Dr. Maddalena.

The Counseling and Wellness Center’s recommendations include establishing healthy habits that work for you as an individual; building resiliency and coping skills; finding mental health support; and growing and maintaining support systems.

And perhaps, most importantly, not waiting to get help.

9 Steps to Prep for a Great Semester

Here are nine tips to help SJNY students settle back into the swing of things and ensure this semester is their most successful yet.

1. Spring (Semester) Cleaning

Whether you’re new to campus or returning from break, a new semester represents a fresh start. And what better way to start anew than by doing a little spring semester cleaning? Ridding your living space of unnecessary junk can ease your mind in preparation for your return to classes. Old notebooks, crumbled up papers, assignments you’ll never look at again—everything must go! By freeing yourself of yesterday’s clutter, you can focus on the path ahead.

2. Create a List of Goals

Once the semester begins, it can be difficult to predict how it will proceed. Classes you believed would be easy might prove more challenging and vice versa. Also, unexpected opportunities may arise that you feel compelled to go after. A list of goals will help you stay on track when the semester begins to zig instead of zag. Listing your goals will also assist with knowing when to pivot or make adjustments. Changes are bound to occur, but with a roadmap, you can avoid straying too far off course.

3. Connect with Your Fellow Students

Consider reconnecting with fellow students before the first day. Worried that you’ll be walking into a difficult class? Other students may share the same concern. Networking inside and outside the classroom and can lead to a successful semester.

4. Establish a Rapport with Your Professors

The other side of that same coin is connecting with your professors. Introduce yourself and discuss what you want to accomplish in their class. Often, by the time students reach out to a professor for help, it is too little too late. Even if you predict doing well in a particular class, building a rapport with your professor is beneficial. Professors are great sources of guidance, academically and professionally. As educators, their job is to help you succeed and realize your potential. That can only happen if you’re not afraid of taking the first step.

Some challenges are best tackled as a team. Working with professors and students can help you overcome difficult courses and assignments.

5. Research New Opportunities on Campus

Each semester brings new possibilities in terms of clubs and organizations around campus. Don’t hesitate to try new things or operate outside of your comfort zone. Some of the best experiences are gained from taking a leap of faith. On-campus organizations at SJNY range from student government, service/social awareness organizations and the arts to fraternity and sorority life, faith-based clubs and university athletics. That and more can be explored at the Office of Student Life, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement.

6. Practice Good Habits and Self-Care

Trying to re-adjust your habits in the middle of a semester can be difficult. That’s why it’s important to establish positive behaviors now. After hitting that snooze button during break, now is a good time to try to wake up earlier and get a good night’s rest. Make time for exercise, even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Begin the morning with a healthy breakfast and words of self-affirmation. Carrying these habits into a new semester can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being, which help fuel academic success.

7. Work on Stress Management Strategies

Stress is unavoidable. How you manage that stress will determine whether it makes you or breaks you in the upcoming semester. Before your first day of classes, work on personal stress management strategies. That can include scheduling time for friends and family, exercise or simple leisure activities. It is also important to familiarize yourself with on-campus resources such as SJNY’s Center for Counseling and Wellness (located on the Long Island and Brooklyn campuses). Stress is best confronted head on and as early as possible, say experts.

8. Create a Budget

University life can get expensive, especially when you’re not keeping track. Between purchasing required books, supplies and meals, not to mention spending money on social activities, you can quickly discover you’re spending more than you intended. That’s where budgeting comes in. Without committing to any hard accounting, create a budget for yourself and do your best to stick to it. With all the academic pressures that can come from a new semester, it’s best not to add financial ones as well.

The new SJNY Student Center on the Long Island campus offers a variety of stress-reducing amenities including a game lounge and e-sports room.

10. Be Excited!

A new semester is nothing to fear. Instead, it should be greeted with positivity and enthusiasm. You should be excited by the prospect of new classes, professors, friends, and, most importantly, new experiences. Brush off any negative feelings about the previous semester and view what’s ahead as a new beginning. Embrace new opportunities and face challenges as they arise with the help of your classmates and professors.