Let’s cut to the chase — we all procrastinate to varying degrees. That feeling of, “I could have done so much better if only I had started on this earlier,” is one that we’ve all felt before. Here’s a list of things that you should probably start in September to keep on top of things.

1. Your planner is your best friend.

Term papers, exams and assignments — these are all things that tend to sneak up on us. Making a planner will not only help you see an all-in-one guide of exactly what you need to accomplish and when, but it will also help you plan your time accordingly.

For example, if you see that you happen to have two mid-terms on the same day, you can schedule your daily stress cry for the night before, so you have more time to stare at your textbook and attempt to learn the material by osmosis on the day of the exams.

2. Do your readings.

If you don’t start the term doing your readings, the likelihood of you catching up is quite slim. Give yourself time to do these readings and consider getting well acquainted with Quizlet — which is a website that helps you make cue cards — early on in the semester instead of one week before your exam when all you want to do is embrace the sweet, caressing touch of death.

3. Make a coffee budget.

Let’s be real — you are going to drink an inhuman amount of coffee to wake yourself up for that 8:30 a.m. class you convinced yourself you could handle. I recommend figuring out a budget for coffee or investing in a way to make it yourself at home. Reclaim the money and time that would have been spent waiting in line at your coffee shop of choice.

4. Give yourself a break.

Anyone who says “I’m just one of those people who doesn’t need a break” is a lying P.O.S. and should be forcibly put in a spa, effective immediately.

When we’re constantly ‘on’ — like we’re forced to be during the school year — we burn out. Sometimes you don’t even realize that you’re dead tired until you’re sitting on the floor of your bathroom crying because you ran out of toothpaste.

When you’re planning your schedule, pencil in some time for leisure. Give yourself something to look forward to after slaving away on schoolwork.

5. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

We all set unrealistic expectations for ourselves at times. If you truly, wholeheartedly believe that you can read 5 chapters, make cue-cards and rewatch two weeks worth of lecture captures in the three days before your final, power to you.

If you can’t, set realistic goals and do your best to meet them. If you’re not meeting them, figure out why and seek out resources to help you reach your potential. Get to the root of your problem and work upwards from there.

6. Spend time getting to know campus.

Find a place that makes you happy or a place where you can study productively — don’t always default to Murray Library. There are lots of great libraries around campus. Despite what people of that specific college might try to tell you, they’re open to everyone. You’re paying a whole lot to be on campus and you’re going to be here for a while so you might as well make the most of it.

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Tomilola Ojo/ Culture Editor