Spooky season is upon us, and so are those lovely midterms, projects, and tests!! With online school dominating this semester— if you are like me who is currently “thriving” (actually send help), then it is good to look ahead and plan to ease those struggles throughout the semester. Here are some things to keep in mind going forward! 

First off, get yourself a planner; any planner will do! A physical notebook or even a google calendar and write those important dates! These include upcoming midterms, projects, and assignments. Trust me, something about writing those dates makes you feel more organized. Make it a habit to even plan your days and week; it saved me sooo much time—also, take advantage of those 1-2 hour class breaks if you have it so you can clear out your to-do list and be done with your day. 

Keep up with your respective Mount Allison email! By now, you should know who Tina or Robert is (PS: I love their weekly updates). Make sure to actually read through your emails; most of us have the tendency to skip or skim through it and miss information. The Mount Allison email is the official way to communicate with the university, so it is an excellent way to check it regularly. 

For out-of-province students, PLAN out your departure in December and your return in January… Start by knowing and writing your final exam dates, which can be found in Connect. Bringing huge luggage back home can be a hassle, so pack wisely for your Christmas break! If you are looking for a ride to the airport, it is worth keeping an eye out for the MASU shuttle services typically offered in December for students flying out (very cheap compared to regular fares, YAYY). 

On the other hand, the Mount Allison bookstore typically hosts a Christmas merchandise sale sometime in December. This is a fantastic opportunity to find some great deals and discount off MTA swag! (also gives you a reasonable excuse to pack excessively, which I did last year). If you are looking for a very rushed Christmas gift, MTA merch will always be a good present. In fact, most of my gifts last year were Mount Allison swags! (I highly recommend buying the Mount A Dad and Mom shirts for your parents). 

Most importantly, plan out rest days or sessions. Set a time aside for yourself away from academics; remember balance is key, so this is essential! Especially during COVID-19 times! Schedule dinner dates with friends, go for walks & exercise and catch up socially (in my case, do nothing and binge-watch TikTok).  

Photo: My friend and I taking a break from school to enjoy some delicious food at Song's Chopsticks!