Back to school, back to basics

Key skills and habits for student success

New semester, who dis?

As the Fall 2025 semester approaches, it’s the perfect time to talk about navigating fresh starts. Whether you’re starting college or returning, you’ll likely feel a shift—new schedules and new people. That shift can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity to reset and refocus.

This isn’t just about having a successful school year—it’s about setting yourself up for a strong start to 2026 as well. The first few weeks of a new semester can feel overwhelming, but establishing strong habits early on not only helps you stay organized and manage stress — it also builds discipline, time management, and accountability, all of which are essential skills you'll carry into your future career in public relations. 

According to the Educational Psychology Review, habits are critical for supporting (or hindering) long-term goal attainment, including outcomes related to student learning and well-being. 

When I started college in 2022, I lacked the habits I’m about to share—and it made the transition harder than it needed to be. Now, with stronger routines in place, I’m proud to say I’ve achieved some of my best academic results yet, such as earning placement on the President’s list and being awarded as Eastern Kentucky University’s Registered Student Organization Officer of the Year.

Mastering your minutes

You’ve heard it before, but it’s worth repeating—time management matters. It helps you stay organized, reduce stress, and make the most of each day. When you manage your time well, you’re less likely to fall behind or cram at the last minute. You can actually enjoy your downtime without guilt. Personally, improving my time management has helped me stay on top of assignments while still leaving space for friends and self-care. 

That wasn’t always the case. Back in Fall 2024, I took an online course called Introduction to Social Media. Since there was no physical classroom, it was easy to fall behind without organization skills. To make matters worse, my professor had the same name as a student, and I accidentally sent several assignments to a student close to when the course was about to end. Thankfully, I owned the mistake and still finished with an A. Now, I highlight all my professors' emails on the syllabus and favorite their email in my email app as soon as the semester starts. 

So, what can you do? You don’t need a fancy planner. I don’t use one. As crazy as it sounds, I rely on my phone’s Notes app to lay out my days. Before I open Instagram, I check my notes—it’s become a habit. Whether you prefer a physical planner, a calendar app, or simple to-do lists, find a system that works for you. Block off time for studying, meals, and breaks. 

Strategies that stick

1. Study smart, lead smarter

According to Jeffrey Karpicke, PhD, a psychology researcher at Purdue University, Study methods that involve repeating information more than once are ideal because each time a memory is recovered, it becomes more accessible in the future. I struggled with retention until I practiced repetitive study habits. There's a study habit called the Pomodoro method—25 minutes of studying followed by a 5-minute break. No study breaks usually result in brain mush. This kept me from getting overwhelmed and made it easier to stay consistent. 

2. Your next opportunity might be sitting next to you

Starting fresh can feel lonely—trust me, I’ve been there. When I moved four hours away from home, I didn’t know a single person. The isolation hit hard, and I even sought counseling to cope. My best advice? Treat strangers like friends. This simple mindset helped me build connections quickly and grow my network.

Joining PRSSA was a game-changer. For just $55, I found a community where I belonged and discovered my passion. Even now, I keep in touch with people I met through the organization. Friendly interactions can open doors you never expected—and sometimes, the opportunity you’re looking for is right beside you. 

3. Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s strategy

Juggling multiple roles isn’t easy—I hold five job positions alongside school. To manage, I rely on reminders and, most importantly, boundaries. Reminding myself that everything I do counts toward a bigger goal helps me step back when needed and return motivated.

Setting boundaries means learning to say no—and saying it respectfully. You know your limits best. For example, you might say, “I really appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m currently at capacity and can’t give this the attention it deserves.” This shows respect for the request while protecting your time. If possible, offer an alternative, like suggesting someone else or a better time. Saying no well is a skill that will serve you throughout school and your career.

4. Finish strong, start even stronger

Whether it’s your first semester or your last, you have the power to create a school year that’s balanced, focused, and fulfilling. Your habits shape your experience, so start small and stay consistent. Don’t be afraid to say “hi” first. You might be surprised how many people are waiting for someone to break the ice.

I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below and join the conversation.

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Meet A’Mya

A’Mya is a senior at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) majoring in Public Relations. She is serving her second term as the president of EKU’s PRSSA chapter. She is a student writer, student graphic design associate, student public relation assistant, and an intern at Newsmatics. She is a native of Kentucky and seeking post-grad opportunities. 

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