The city is buzzing to life, coffee shops are filled to the brim and Cal Poly’s campus is once again crammed with students. The school year has officially begun.
But this year brings Cal Poly’s long-awaited switch from quarters to semesters. From longer terms to shorter class times to brand-new catalog requirements, the semester switch is full of changes. While many freshmen mastered the semester system in high school, some continuing students, like construction management sophomore Keily Espinoza, are struggling with the transition.
“The switch was just very weird,” Espinoza said. “Class registration was so confusing, especially since some classes combined and then new classes were added. So it was pretty difficult just figuring it all out.”
With the first few weeks of the semester gone by, students are finding ways to make the new system work for them. Here are some Cal Poly students’ tips to survive the semester schedule.
1. Enjoy the extra time
Switching to semesters adds five weeks to each term, which upon first glance, increases the potential for burnout. While this may sound intimidating, the additional time can actually reduce the intense workload of classes instead. An extra five weeks can provide more breathing room to complete assignments, understand key concepts and recover between exams.
As a biology freshman, Amber Ha has only known the semester system. When she learned of Cal Poly’s switch from quarters, she was more than happy to stay on the longer terms.
“I’ve never been on quarters, but I would imagine that you rush so much,” Ha said. “I think semesters just allows you to step back a little bit. I have a lot of time to do what I want, and I don’t have to rush my courses.”
2. Create a routine
A weekly schedule works well not only for semesters but also for getting back into college life. The structure creates balance, which can help students prepare for the 15 weeks ahead of them. Business administration sophomore Abdiel Maldonado even goes so far as to schedule his hobbies and free time into his routine.
“This year, like from the get-go, I planned all my classes out on my calendar, even the times I would be taking a lunch break throughout the day,” Maldonado said. “I really would say it all comes down to having a schedule.”
According to Maldonado, making time for relaxation is just as important as planning classes and assignment deadlines. It also prevents his routine from focusing entirely on academics.
With that being said, keeping a strict schedule is not for everyone. While some find the repetition helpful, others may feel constricted. It is important to find a balance of organization and spontaneity that works best for you.
3. Take a fun class
While building a routine can help you stay organized, taking a fun or unconventional class that sparks your curiosity can add diversity to your schedule. For those who value spontaneity, this is a great way to make a 15-week routine feel less monotonous.
Maldonado recommended taking a class that has “nothing to do with [your] major”. From welding to bookbinding to beekeeping, Cal Poly currently offers a wide variety of unique classes, allowing students to pursue nearly any of their hobbies or personal interests.
“I’m taking a political science class on jurisprudence,” Maldonado said. “It’s just something I’m a little interested in, but I feel like it satisfies that urge to kind of learn and be exposed to more things.”
Jurisprudence refers to the study and philosophy of law. For Maldonado, the class provides him with an opportunity to explore other interests while offering a much-needed break from required courses.
Additionally, many Cal Poly courses are now worth fewer units under the semester system. Maldonado said the extra class also helps him meet the recommended 15 units for the semester. If he had taken another major requirement instead, he said he would have risked burning out much faster.
4. Focus on self-care
Whether it’s the transition itself or another case of the autumn blues, this semester may feel especially draining. But Brenda Salas, an accounting senior, said prioritizing self-care is the best advice for any student who’s struggling.
“I don’t want to sound too corny, but just definitely take care of yourself,” Salas said with a laugh. “Make sure to eat when you get home and do things that make you happy.”
Self-care doesn’t have to take the form of aesthetic skincare routines and fuzzy bathrobes either. It can be as simple as eating a full meal instead of studying through dinner or setting aside time to binge your favorite show. The semester changes may make it tempting to bury yourself in schoolwork, but listening to your physical and emotional needs should always be your top priority.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
With all of the changes from the semester transition, it’s only natural for questions and obstacles to arise. While it may seem obvious, getting help from advisors, mentors or even peers can clear up any confusion.
Although Espinoza struggled with class registration at first, she said she got help from her TRIO advisor. The TRIO Achievers program aims to support eligible students during college through financial aid, tutoring and academic advising.
“I feel like there’s always people willing to help, and if they don’t know, they probably know someone that does,” Espinoza said.
Overall, there is no singular right way to adjust to semesters. Some students are taking the changes in stride, while others are struggling to keep up. But no matter what position you find yourself in, using these tips can make the school year easier and the transition less overwhelming. Just remember that surviving semesters is less about getting through the next 15 weeks and more about making these 15 weeks work for you.
