When College Gets Real: The First-Year Spring Semester
It’s Week 5 of the spring semester (one-third of the way to Finals Week) and first-year students may be sharing how different it feels from fall. After the excitement of move-in, welcome events, and new routines, the spring brings a new challenge: sustaining effort. Students enter the term with more awareness of expectations, but also with heavier academic demands. The novelty has worn off, and the real work of college continues.
These shifts are common. Here are reasons students may struggle and ways to help them prepare.
Expectations rise
In the fall, first-year students enroll in 100-level courses, which introduce college-level expectations. By spring, they have a mix of 100- and 200-level courses adding rigor to their course schedule. With more complex assignments and fewer reminders, this can feel overwhelming. Encourage students to review syllabi early, create a planning system, and visit their professor’s office hours either in-person or virtually. Connecting with their professors makes a difference.
Research shows that early engagement with faculty and active learning routines support academic success and persistence.
Motivation dips
The spring semester lacks the fresh-start energy of the fall. Shorter daylight hours, winter weather, and fewer campus events can affect motivation. Students can build momentum by setting one or two achievable goals and pairing them with routines that support consistency. For example, a goal could be to create a weekly study group among classmates in the most challenging class. Mastering difficult Physics 2 concepts is more manageable with a group.
Social patterns shift
Friend groups may have changed over the winter break. Students may feel that they missed the moment to make new friends now that the semester is well under way. Assure students that shifting relationships are normal and it is simply never too late to meet and make new friends. Student clubs and organizations welcome new members throughout the semester. Most university libraries or dining halls are continuously hiring for student staff. Building one’s community begins by taking part in the campus community.
Burnout surfaces
Some students held it together in the fall but may be feeling the impact now. Also, it’s February and the environment may be darker and colder. Taken together, this can be a recipe for fatigue or burnout. The bright side (figuratively and literally) is that the days are getting longer, although the cold and snow may be with us for a bit. Small adjustments like scheduling breaks for a short walk (even if it is inside), studying in a warmly lit space, or visiting the campus wellness center can help students manage stress.
Strategies for a stronger spring
Start assignments early
Build a weekly study structure
Take advantage of tutoring or supplemental instruction
Connect with professors and advisors
Plan for rest and social time
Use campus spaces that support focus and belonging
The spring semester is a turning point for many students. With preparation and support, it can become a season of clarity and confidence.
P.S. Find out how Success Prints Crash Course games build college-readiness skills. Explore the game and follow us for more insights on learning through play. Order a copy of the Success Prints Crash Course board game or a license for the Success Prints Crash Course, college simulator, digital game (only $10) today.