It seems like only yesterday that summer just started, classes were done, and everyone was ready to finally relax from all the tests, homework assignments, quizzes, projects, etc. that goes with school. Instead, everyone’s agenda was sleep, eat, beach/pool, sleep, party, sleep, binge watching all 3 (soon to be 4) seasons of Orange Is The New Black on Netflix and did I mention sleep?

WELL ALL OF THAT IS COMING TO AN END!!!!!

Yeah that’s right, school is near! For most universities, college will be starting this coming week. I want to wish you all the best of luck in your studies and give it all you got!

Here are a few tips/supplies that will come in handy (with a twist).

That’s right, a daily planner. This thing right here will save your life throughout the semester! Here you can put when you have homework due, a quiz/exam, important dates (birthdays, when a payment is due, appointments, etc.) and just about everything you can think of. It’s happened to me before where a week goes by, I stop to look at my planner, and I realize that I have an online homework assignment due at midnight! Check these daily as you write in them.

Procrastination

This is probably one of the worst things you can do while you’re in college, especially if you are a freshman. We’re used to the high school life where you could turn in homework at the end of the six weeks (even semester) and everything will be fine. COLLEGE IS NOTHING LIKE THAT! Professors don’t care if your “dog ate your homework” or whatever other excuse you give. They don’t baby you to turn in assignments. When an assignment is due, turn it in! Otherwise, your grades and GPA will reflect it. By the way, don’t bother asking a professor for extra credit. It’s very rare to have one that will actually do it. I found out the hard way my first semester in college. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your homework!

Voice Recorder

This little thing will come in handy for your lectures. There are professors that go really fast through their powerpoints that it’s almost impossible to write down every single word. Looking back at this will help you and you never know, your professor can get test questions from her speech than the actual slide!

Mobile Hotspot (optional)

It’s 3 am, you’re doing an online assignment, and your dorm/home wifi goes out! It’s too late for you to go to the library (unless you go to UT, you go, or live, at the PCL). Mobile Hotspot will come in handy when you need internet access. Check with your cell phone service provider to check their rates!

Now this section is my twist to this list! I’ve decided to give it a valley flavor!

La Virgin de Guadalupe Candle

Now this is the most important item on this article! When you have an exam, you don’t know anything, so you start cramming everything the day before. En eso, prendes a tu velita! During exam week, desperate times call for la velita! You might feel air hitting you but that’s okay, that’s just a  La Rosa de Guadalupe episode coming to life (ahhhhhh ahhhhhhh Ahhhhhh AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!)

Blanket

YES A BLANKIE! When you are sleep deprived and don’t have a class till 1, you go to your car, lay your seat back, and you nap with your blankie! I may or may not have done this before.

Stripes Breakfast Tacos

These are gods creation. When you have an 8am class and your hunger is the size of Texas, you get one of these and cafe, and you’re good. They are so freaking good, you can eat one everyday. Don’t forget to take one to your profe! You never know when sweet talking them will come in handy!

Create memories with friends! College is only once in a lifetime. You’ll never will be able to recreate the times. Cherish everyone you meet. Don’t get involved with unnecessary drama (I mean come on, we’re not in high school!)

BUT the most important tip I can give….

PONTE A ESTUDIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great semester/school year everyone!