It’s a new year and a new semester is just around the corner. Before it begins, take some time to reflect on the past semester. Think about the courses you enjoyed, how you got involved and what you might have done differently.
Reflecting on these topics can help you prepare and start the semester on the right foot. Here are some topics to get you started.
Academics
Maybe your GPA isn’t where you want it to be, or you didn’t enjoy your classes from last semester. Perhaps you’re looking for a more unique academic experience. Here are some things you can try to get the most out of your academics this spring.
Improve your GPA
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Schedule time at the beginning of the semester to visit office hours and introduce yourself to your instructors and TAs. This can help you get to know your instructors and make it easier to ask for help later if needed.
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The Academic Success and Achievement Program (ASAP) offers free peer-tutoring support to students living on campus and first-year commuting students. ASAP provides tutoring on a weekly basis throughout the semester.
- Explore other academic support resources available for students.
In case you missed it, check out where to get academic help
Finding the right classes
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Schedule an appointment with your advisor. Your advisor can help you identify your academic, career and life goals. From there, they can help you explore a variety of options for your academic journey.
- Connect with Career Services to find a major or program that fits with your personality traits and goals. There are various assessments for students and alumni to discover strengths and potential career paths. If you are deciding on a major or thinking about making a switch, chat with a career development advisor about your options.
Get the most out of your academic experience
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Apply to the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). In a UROP project, you can explore academic interest beyond the classroom. Additionally, get hands-on experience with research or creative production and develop rapport with faculty.
- Consider Education Abroad. To learn about opportunities to study abroad this summer, attend the CU Summer Abroad Expo on Jan. 26. Application deadlines for many summer Education Abroad programs is Feb. 1. Use the first weeks of the month to explore program options and apply for a unique experience in a different place.
Involvement
Wherever you are, there are opportunities for you to get involved this semester.
- Browse the student organization directory on BuffConnect. Find student groups based on your hobbies, passions or major, and connect with groups you are interested in joining.
- Check out the Student Events website for events happening throughout the semester.
- Follow @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for other ways to get involved, giveaways and more!
Career development
Whether you’re looking for an internship or ways to develop professional skills, here are some resources to help you get there.
Jobs and internships
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Attend spring career fairs, events and workshops this semester to meet with potential employers and get tips for your internship search.
- Create or update your Handshake profile. Not only is Handshake the place to find internship and job opportunities, but it’s also where you’ll register to attend virtual career fairs. And students who have complete Handshake profiles have a better chance of meeting one-on-one with employers at the virtual fairs. Learn more about completing your Handshake profile.
- Prepare for your search. Career Services has resources to write résumés and cover letters, practice interview skills and navigate networking.
Develop professional skills
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Consider joining CU GOLD in the spring. This program provides free leadership development opportunities to all students. You can also register for the Core Leadership Program to attend seminars on a variety of leadership topics.
- Develop additional skills and knowledge with LinkedIn Learning.This online library of video tutorials teaches a wide variety of software tools and skills. The full range of these tutorials is free for current students.
Health and wellness
Taking care of your health and wellness is as important as ever. If you feel like your stress levels were high last semester, here are some resources to help you ease that stress in the months ahead.
Virtual events
- Plan to attend free workshops from Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) in the spring. These workshops, including Healthy Living, Anxiety Toolbox and a COVID-related series, can provide you with tools and strategies to cope with stress you may be feeling. Workshops are open to all students and will be remote.
- Meet with a peer wellness coach. A peer wellness coach can help you set and accomplish your wellness goals throughout the semester.
- Take advantage of the Rec Center’s virtual fitness classes. Whether you want to participate in an intramural team, have a personal trainer or join the virtual outdoor program, there’s something for everyone.
- Learn more about living well and staying well throughout the semester by visiting the Health and Wellness website.
Other resources
- Wellness Wednesdays. This weekly program provides a space to engage in self-care activities, learn about campus resources and build community. Students can participate in the activity and have conversations with an emotional wellness peer educator to create self-care plans.
- E-Let’s Talk. E-Let’s Talk is a free service offered by CAPS where students can check in virtually for an informal and confidential consultation with a counselor. Students commonly visit with concerns about stress, sadness, academics, worry and more. Let’s Talk counselors can help provide insight, solutions and information about additional resources. Learn more about e-Let’s Talk hours.
- SilverCloud online mental health program. Take charge and manage your emotional health and well-being with SilverCloud, a free, online tool that provides personalized programs to help build skills around stress management, anxiety and depression.
In case you missed it, check out some ways to feel better during stressful times or other health tips for more resources.