Falling into Fall

How to get back on the ‘MX Grind’ after a long summer

After a summer of fun, Middlesex students, both new and returning, are shoved right back into their tight schedules packed with classes, sports, and homework. With all the activities MX offers, as well as the copious amounts of work assigned, how can you keep up with the rigorous course load while still having fun with friends?

First of all, staying organized is one of the most important factors in keeping up with your classes. At the beginning of the year, students received an academic planner with the already up-to-date special schedules included in it. By using this planner, it’s  easy to keep track of your classes, homework, and upcoming tests. Additionally, many teachers only mention homework in class, so it’s essential to write it down to remember to do it. However, if you think that the planner is too much work to carry around, using your Notes App is another good option. I personally don’t use my planner, but rather my Notes App to keep track of all my homework and upcoming assignments. Another alternative is online planners or agendas. I strongly recommend taking some time each day to update your planner and decide how you are going to tackle your assignments to save time later.

Free blocks are a great way to get some work done during the day to lessen the amount of homework left for you at the end of the night. The two places I find best to work in during the day are the RCC and the library. Additionally, during the fall and spring, studying outside in the BAP courtyard with friends is a nice change of scenery. My friends and I also enjoy going off campus to study such as Café Nero, Dunkin’, or Starbucks. Studying together in study groups before tests is also super helpful, and you can bounce ideas off each other. I find that the awkward blocks of time in between classes and athletics or athletics and dinner are often wasted. However, during that time, students could study Words words or their language vocabulary.

It’s important to make sure you use study hours well and actually get studying done to avoid all-nighters. Supervised study hall is available for underclassmen, and you can go there if you feel that you can’t get much work done in your room. If you still struggle with staying on top of your work, your advisor is also a great resource.  They can help you set up a schedule for you to get your work done on time.

The first weeks of school are overwhelming. Coming back from summer, we’re still figuring out how to put our brains into learning mode, and dust off the summer mindset. But ultimately, if you stay organized and on top of your work, you’ll be okay!

Allison Luo ‘27