Checklist for Making this Last Week Count!

Class starts for many the week after Labour Day. If you choose to use this week to get a headstart, what gets checked off now can boost grades and reduce stress over the whole term. You may have looked after many of these details, but, just in case, here’s my recommended list. Adapt to suit your circumstances, and congratulate yourself for any you have already taken care of.

Here goes:

First, and most important, sit down and write out what your goals are at this campus. Maybe it’s to get on the Dean’s List. Maybe it’s to pass each course. Maybe it’s to get a transfer to another program. Write down your goal for the year and for this term. Write it where you will run across it from time to time.

Then, the housework that needs to be done to help you reach those goals. Not very exciting, but housework usually isn’t. And like housework, we notice it most when it doesn’t get done.

Now the checklist:

_____ Check your course registrations. Fine tune any options left.

_____ Review syllabi and order texts.

_____ Get your school supplies, including calendars and schedulers.

_____ Confirm any transportation–car, bus pass, ride share

_____ Confirm your residence, and what you’ll need to bring–towels, bedding, etc.

_____ Check your campus’s COVID policies.

_____ Arrange for any needed modifications due to the COVID fourth wave.

_____ Check your home workspace. Is it as pleasant and free from distraction as possible?

_____ Check the tech you’ll need for online work, for lab work.

_____ Check your internet bandwidth–is it adequate for everyone in the household?

_____ Check your computer security and backup protocols.

_____ Test any new programs or apps before you’re taking notes in the first class

_____ Check your supply of masks and sanitizer.

_____ Get your vaccination certificate if your province or state is providing one.

_____ Confirm your funding.

_____ Book your medical and dental so they don’t take up time during midterms.

_____ Confirm your disability accommodations, and funding for accommodations.

_____ If you are using a strategist, book your complimentary session or your block of sessions. 

_____ Plan your reward for looking after the housework.

That last point–the last long weekend approaches. What can you do to reward yourself for attending to as many of these as made sense for you? For getting done the ones you did get done?

Me, I’ve got my list, and my reward planned. Once I get a few office modifications made and my own professional development activities firmed up, the reward involves a stand-up paddle board and a lake!

I am already booking complimentary sessions, multi-week blocks, and full term commitments.

Let’s talk! You can reach me at [email protected]