Spring Semester Strategies: Build Routines that Stick

Spring semester is a perfect time to reset, sharpen goals, and build routines that actually stick. As an academic advisor, I see students thrive when they combine planning with small, consistent habits.

Before Classes Start: Set-up for Success

Check registration & hold status. Make sure you’re actually enrolled in the courses you need and that there are no registration holds (financial, advising, immunizations, etc.).
Review your degree plan / transfer plan. Open your degree audit or transfer checklist now so you know which requirements remain.
Scan each syllabus ahead of day one. Professors usually post syllabi early — check required textbooks, major assignments, and the grading breakdown so nothing surprises you.
Order books & materials smartly. Compare used, e-text, and library reserve options; buy only what you need the first week if possible.
Confirm commute & tech needs. Test your laptop, internet, and the college LMS (Canvas/MyAccess). If you need a hotspot or loaner laptop, contact campus tech services now.
Schedule an advising appointment. If you’re unsure about course choices, transfer requirements, or balancing work and school, book time with an advisor.

First Two Weeks: Build Momentum

Create a weekly template. Block class times, study blocks (2–3 focused hours per credit hour/week is a helpful rule of thumb), work, and self-care.
Set ‘anchor’ appointments. Put fixed events—class, job, childcare—first, then plan study and exercise around them.
Introduce a “syllabus checklist.” For each class, note: major due dates, professor office hours, group work requirements, testing weeks.
Connect with instructors early. Introduce yourself via email or during office hours; this pays off if you later need clarification or flexibility.
Find study partners / join a study group. Shared accountability increases consistency and makes studying less lonely.

Midterm & Ongoing Strategies

Plan backwards from major deadlines. Break big projects into weekly steps and assign each step a calendar reminder.
Weekly review habit (30 minutes). Each Sunday, review upcoming deadlines, tweak your schedule, and set three weekly academic goals.
Active study techniques. Use retrieval practice (self-quizzing), spaced repetition, and practice problems instead of passive rereading.
Use campus supports early. Tutoring, writing centers, counseling, and disability services exist to help you; don’t wait until crisis mode.
Monitor mental and physical health. Sleep, hydration, movement, and connection with friends/family directly affect academic performance.

Finish Strong: Finals & Wrap-up

Create a finals calendar. Put exam dates and final project due dates in the calendar with prep milestones.
Prioritize graded work. Focus on the assignments with the highest weight first.
Reflect & document. At semester end, note what worked, what didn’t, and one concrete change for next term.

Transfer & Degree Decisions

If you’re planning to transfer (for example to a university like UIC or UIUC), confirm the exact course requirements for your intended major early. Some majors require specific courses in order to transfer. Finishing an Associate in Arts (AA) can be beneficial — it gives you a credential, may smooth general-education transfer, and can be a safety net if plans change — but the best choice depends on the schools and majors you’re targeting. Meet with an advisor to map courses to your transfer goals.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Waiting until the last minute to start big projects — avoid this by scheduling weekly project steps.
Trying to “do it all” — limit your course load if work/family will compete for time.
Not using office hours — a 10-minute check-in with an instructor can clarify weeks of confusion.

Quick Checklist

Confirm registration & holds cleared
Review degree/transfer audit
Read syllabi for all classes
Create weekly time blocks (classes + study + self-care)
Book advising appointment if unsure about transfer/degree
Set up a weekly 30-minute review routine
Locate tutoring, writing center, math assistance, and counseling resources

Final thought

Small routines + early planning = a calmer, more successful semester. If you’d like help mapping your schedule, checking transfer requirements, or building a study plan that fits your life, I’m here — schedule an advising appointment and let’s make a plan that fits your goals.

Be well!

— Wendy

Advising Hub