Welcome back, readers! Whether you’re eager to be back to class or you’re dragging your ass to that dreaded statistics class, we have a few guidelines to making this winter semester a successful one. Mostly this article is going to tell you what NOT to do (you do you, but don’t say I didn’t warn you when you get a D in that BS elective class you enrolled in because it looked fun). Ready? Here we go!

Rule #1: Know where your classes are. Walking into the wrong classroom (especially if you run a little behind schedule like me) is awkward. I’m in my 4th year of university and there’s some places I’ve never had a class in (and I’ve had a 4th year ask me where classrooms marked LI on the course calendar are). Showing up a few minutes earlier can keep you from falling off your game!

Rule #2: Don’t be known as that person who is always late. I generally have a bit of grace for those who are a couple minutes late (redneck traffic on 18th is unpredictable, right?) but don’t be that asshole who saunters in 20 minutes late.

Rule #3: Don’t be rude and distract other students. I know sitting through some courses (theory’s not for everyone) is about as fun as watching paint dry. I get it. That, however, does NOT give you the right to be obnoxious with your buddies and take away from other people’s learning experience. If you feel like you have better things to do than be in that class, peace out. This includes phones, too. My favourite prof has no problem calling out students scrolling on their phones during class and I absolutely love him for it.

Rule #4: Don’t show up to class inebriated. This one might be a common-sense rule but if you have an evening class and want to go out for dinner and a few drinks before your 7:00-10:00p.m. class, you might have a few too many. Same goes for packing a bowl (it’s your life but have fun sitting for an hour or two avoiding eye contact with your prof).

Rule #5: Get organized. I’m not this person and I kick myself for it every semester.

Rule #6: Don’t slack on your coursework. Even though it’s early in the semester, you’re probably gonna get slammed later in the term. You have the opportunity to advance your education and better yourself. If you’re half-assing it, why are you here?

Rule #7: Don’t forget to do some self-care for the overachiever. I’m going to be a hypocrite here. For those who are on full hustle-mode (hitting the books, working for that coin, extracurriculars, family, volunteering, and whatever else you do) make sure you take a break. It seems counter-intuitive when you’re getting slammed with deadlines and you’re roped into so many commitments, but without taking some time for you, you’re as useless as a fish out of water. Watch an episode of Netflix, get outside on a nice day, go workout, call a good friend, take a nice nap... Do what you need to do to recharge.

Here’s a few guidelines to surviving (and for some of you, thriving) this semester. Best of luck!