Happy New Year, folks! As spring semester classes begin, we know it can be a good time for a clean slate. We’re talking New Year’s resolutions, fixing your sleep schedule, and trying to make it to that 8 a.m.! Rest assured, everybody understands exactly how you’re feeling and is wondering how to navigate the new semester accordingly. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of things that you should do to stay on track this spring semester.

Sleeping At A Reasonable Time

This may sound like the end of the world, but we promise this will make all the difference for you in the new year. As tempting as it may be to stay up until two or three in the morning, you know you will regret it the following day. To help with the spring semester, try not to stay up doomscrolling on TikTok, and instead try closing your eyes! Easy fix!

Staying In During The Week

Heartbreaking, we know. Going out during the week is what keeps the Penn State student body alive, but we know how those grades are going to look, so consider this a warning. Partying on the weekend is great, but that’s because you don’t have homework to complete. Why are you making the effort to go out on a Tuesday when you know you’re going to fall behind? Come on! A cozy, study night in is not all that bad.

Manifesting

While brainstorming some spring semester goals, we decided that manifesting more often is good for the soul. We encourage Penn Staters to use the same general manifestation every day, practiced at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It goes like this… “Penn State will win a natty,” “Ohio State will crumble,” “Tomorrow will be over 40 degrees,” “I will find a parking spot,” “Sylly week rallying is temporary,” and so on. A little manifestation never hurt nobody!

Take Classes At Efficient Times

Understandably, there is always that one class that has one professor at one time that is required for you to graduate, so there’s your freebie. Other than that, schedule your classes with intention! Being a college student isn’t easy, and there is a lot to juggle in the average week. Classes, homework, jobs, extracurriculars, and socializing are a lot for students to handle. To make this easier, consider getting up a little earlier so you can attend an 11 a.m. class and make it to your club meeting, instead of waking up at 4 p.m. A little extra planning can go a long way, folks!

Budget

Of course, our favorite places to shop will continue to rope us in, and the money spending problems will continue to rage on. We know this isn’t optimal, but we encourage you to try to budget during the spring semester. This means staying away from The Den’s “$2 you call-its” and not going to Canes after every minor inconvenience. LionCash disappears faster than you think, so don’t try to find loopholes. Maybe opt for more wallet-friendly spending and reasonable purchases.

Learn The Campus Bus System

It’s freezing out there, folks. Winter is going to stay persistent till March, so it may be helpful to download the “myStop” app on your phone. This way, you can see exactly where the campus shuttles are in real time and plan ahead when traveling across campus. It may be a shock to many that a large percentage of students are unsure of how to catch the bus for their convenience. The Blue Loop, White Loop, and Red Link are free to all and provide service to the entire campus. Other shuttles will require a bus pass or a small fee. In 2026, Penn Staters will learn how life-changing the bus system is.

Stay Optimistic

It is really easy to go through hard times with the new semester beginning. As corny as it may sound, it is important to stay optimistic during this time. Classwork will get heavy, exams will come around, and your social life might get a little hectic. This is completely normal for any college student, and it is good to know you are not alone. Don’t bottle up those emotions before they become too much to handle. Instead, take time for yourself as needed and remember that this, too, shall pass. Of course, this is Happy Valley!

Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Penn State has a wide variety of free activities and enjoyable events for all students. Students have the opportunity to explore places like the Arboretum and the Palmer Museum of Art. Both of these are free and provide students with an unforgettable experience at State College. This may also look like attending pop-up events at the HUB or joining friends at club activities. These are all great ways to step out of your comfort zone and explore: new friendships, make Penn State memories, and find what makes Penn State “home” for you. Don’t feel pressured to do anything you aren’t ready for, but we hope to see you around campus and enjoying your spring semester.