LYNX LIFE LIBRARY

For university students, a new year can feel unrecognizable. New classes, new schedules, new course materials, and new instructors fill our lives. For some students, a new semester can feel like a new opportunity to succeed personally and academically. Even if you aren’t feeling that yet, you can move towards this way of thinking with two main actions: reflection and planning. The Learning Resources Center (LRC) on campus supports students with these processes in many ways. Embrace this fresh start and make it a successful semester!

Reflection

LRC study skills workshops often center upon the act of reflection. During workshops, facilitators invite students to reflect on their strategies, goals, and learning. For example, after an exam or quiz, the LRC’s academic specialists invite students to look at the questions that were missed and consider why they were incorrect. This makes planning for the next quiz or exam easier. Students also respond to several reflection questions about the exam experience as a whole (see the LRC’s exam autopsy to learn more about this process).

"You can’t turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again."

Bonnie Prudden, rock climber and fitness advocate

(Bonnie’s Legacy – Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy)

Like reflecting on exams, we can use reflection to plan for the spring 2026 semester. Although we cannot turn back time and change anything about the fall semester now, we can consider what worked well and what didn’t work well. Ask yourself: "What should I keep doing?" Build upon your strengths as a student. Ashman et al. (2023), in a book published by Utah Valley University, note that, "while it’s important to recognize and work on your weaknesses, focusing on where you excel may provide you with better results" (para. 4). Pay attention to your talents.

The Learning Resources Center can help you build upon your strengths. Michelle Hourihan, LRC Senior Academic Learning Specialist, has advice for students: "I’d want [students] to know that they’re here to learn, and it will absolutely be a challenge but that’s normal and part of the college experience. Advocating for yourself and help-seeking behavior is encouraged and should be celebrated as strength of character."

Find new strategies for success online and in person at the LRC through study skills workshops, one-on-one individual coaching, peer tutoring, and more. If you can’t make it to the study skills workshops, students may view Student Lingo videos to learn new skills. The Writing Center offers one-on-one writing consultations (in person and virtual). Math and Stat Tutoring is also available in the space located on the first floor of the Learning Commons building.

For reflection and new study skills to be effective, they must be implemented in an ongoing manner. Build a practice of constant reflection into your routine. While a new year and new semester can feel fresh and open for possibilities, each day can also be an opportunity to make a change.

Planning

Planning comes after reflection and can look and feel different for every student. Some students naturally want to plan their semesters extensively. Others prefer or need to look at shorter windows of time. Students can learn planning strategies from others, but it is crucial to find what works on an individual level because we all have unique needs. Where is a good place to start?

It is hard to plan without knowing the end goal. First, collect all course syllabi and identify large deadlines. Write deadlines down wherever you plan (e.g., calendar, planner, phone app). Then, consider what needs to happen leading up to each deadline that will help you meet the deadline and write the steps down where you plan. If you are comfortable with using artificial intelligence, Microsoft Copilot (university-supported) can be a place to start identifying task lists. There are other AI tools, too, and the LRC can help you learn more about AI, including privacy and other considerations, if you are interested. Individual coaching through the LRC is also helpful for planning.

Checking your progress regularly can also help you adjust your plans. Some things take longer than expected. For example, you might study for your first quiz for two hours total and realize that it wasn’t enough time. Additionally, other things may come up that were not in your plans. Expect adjustments along the way each semester. Plans can be flexible, and it is easier to say "yes" to these kinds of activities when there has already been progress made due to the arduous work of planning ahead and following through.

Remember that the life of a university student is not solely academic. Many students work, have hobbies, join student organizations, seek internships, exercise, enjoy nature, spend time with others, and do other things that give them a fulfilling and balanced life. Planning in time for these kinds of experiences can, and should, be a priority. Look at the big picture and what activities are important to you and schedule them into your life so that they happen. Even just fifteen minutes of something you love can be a good start.

Similarly, plan for mental and physical breaks. The body and brain need to rest. Anyone who has tried to take an exam while exhausted knows that it can be hard to think straight when lacking sleep. The Learning Resources Center has you covered there, too. Come check out some of our quiet study rooms where you can study in peace. The Wellness Center also has the Nook nap room available for students who need a place to rest and recharge. You are a whole being. who need a place to rest and recharge. You are a whole being.

Wrap Up

You may have heard these pieces of advice before, but it is always a great reminder that we are all in this new semester together. Many excellent resources appear in this article, but there are even more ways to get involved and find support as a student. You are reading this article through Lynx Central, which is a great place to find out more about student life. We wish you success this spring 2026 and beyond!

References:

Ashman, M., Bates. M. & Swindler, J. (2023). University student success. Utah Valley University.

https://uen.pressbooks.pub/slss1000/chapter/leveraging-strengths/

Bonnie Prudden Myotherapy (2011). Bonnie’s legacy.

https://bonnieprudden.com/bonnies-legacy/

— Written by Laura Paciorek