Even as I enter my third year at the University of Toronto, getting back into the routine of waking up for class and reviewing study notes daily is still exhausting. I’m not sure it’ll ever be easy to get used to waking up while it’s still dark outside – especially after four months of being outdoors, staying active, and being able to sleep in for however long as I wanted. Seeing hundreds and hundreds of faces on campus that look just as tired as I feel is a little bit of a consolation; however, it still doesn’t quite match all the bonfires, baseball and soccer games, and road trips that remind me fondly of summer.

Despite my bitterness (that just might be wired into me as a millennial,) being able to make achievements with schoolwork and extracurricular activities, seeing familiar faces every day, and being part of a community has slowly made me excited for classes and to move on through the school year.

This transition from a laid back summer lifestyle into the fast-paced schedule that comes with being a U of T student can be harder on some students than others, especially on those who are entering new programs, or experiencing different styles of learning than what they’ve been used to.

As an (albeit self-declared) seasoned expert of coping with change (I might have teared up when I moved out of my parents’ home – and yes, I definitely cried when I binge watched all of The Office and had to look for a new show to engulf myself with,) here are a few tips to survive the beginnings of a new school year:

1. Talk to strangers! Okay, I know your parents warned you about this for the past 18+ years. It can be intimidating walking into your lectures of over 200 people, or even your PCJ class with 30 other students – but these are the people you’ll spend the next years of your life learning with, growing with, and eventually – bonding with. They are all going to be informed, educated, and kind people, and best of all, they’re on the same boat as you – they want to meet new people, too.

2. Plan out your week. It’s overwhelming to try to remember all the assignments, readings, and meetings that you’re going to have. Especially with the transition from summer to school, it’s important to map out what needs to be done and how. Setting personal deadlines ahead of actual due dates (to have a constant sense of accomplishment) always helps me get my work done.

3. Get involved. Though schoolwork alone can be a lot on one’s plate, a great way to relax and meet people you wouldn’t normally interact with in class is to join activities and attend events on campus. For example, the PCJ Society holds incredible events throughout the school year, and the Munk School of Global Affairs hosts panels and discussions on topics related to peace, conflict, and justice.

4. Self-care. With all the changes in your schedule, there’s no doubt that there’s going to be a huge load of stress while you acclimate to studying and U of T. The most important piece of advice I can offer is to take time to yourself to do something you really enjoy – whether it’s a hot bath at the end of the day, splurging on that pint of ice cream, or treating yourself to a spa night at home. Be comfortable reaching out for help if you need it (there are many accessible resources on campus!) and find the time to allow yourself to breathe.

This all being said, I know I’m more than excited for a new school year and to see what the rest of PCJ360 and 361 hold in store for me – and I hope that all of you have a tremendously successful (and fun) year!