Registration (a.k.a. DEATH)

Hey guys! Sorry that I have been the worst blogger ever, but I've been overwhelmed in exams and registration for spring semester. However, now that the stress is over, I have some awesome new tips for everyone for staying away from the terrible week I was just in.

So as most of you know, every semester you choose new classes based on what you want to be in and what you need to take for your major or minor. For my school, each grade has a certain day to register and each student registers in alphabetical order. Therefore, for most of you freshman out there, be ready to change around your schedule a lot! In order to make this situation a little easier, I would suggest to look at classes early and make lots of different schedules, each containing a mix of classes. Then, during registration week, check everyday and choose a schedule according to the classes that are open and that are closed and, if needed, make a new schedule. If worse comes to worse, once you find out that a class has closed, email the teacher and explain to him your situation. A teacher can override you into the system, especially if you mention that it is towards a possible major or minor (even if it's not.)

As for tips with your exams, try and stay as organized as possible. Keeping a calandar and writing notes throughout the weeks before your exam keeps you ahead of the game. I have found that having a giant monthly calander above your desk that shows everything going on that month is extremely helpful. I like to study alone and in total silence, but I find that the library is a sad excuse for studying; it is best for pretending that you're doing work and really going on facebook. On the other hand, some of my friends love group studying and reserve a classroom to go with a bunch of friends and talk aloud as they study. Whichever way works for you, the most important thing is not to study all in one night. Try and get a good night's rest and eat healthy (see post below.)

My biggest suggestion, of all though, is to stay sober during these times of stress. Naturally, college kids love to drink for every and any day then can, however, drinking is actually proven to induce stress in most people. I will save everyone the science in this phenomenom, but if you're interested, here is a site to learn more about it: http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/alerts/l/blnaa32.htm. There are many better ways to deal with your stress, like going for a run, taking breaks to hang out with friends, leaving campus to see a movie or go for coffee, dancing to music at full blast in your room, or just listening to pump up music. Speaking of music, here is a new song featuring, of course, Chris Brown!

Stay sober and stress free!

~ College Girl