The start of semester can mean different things to different people. You’re going to try harder, you’re going to get fit and you’ll settle for nothing less than an HD average. If you’re a returning student, you know that making these kinds of promises is very similar to making New Year resolutions. At best, they’ll inspire you for a few days, you’ll buy a bunch of kale, make a weird smoothie, but you’ll inevitably return to that bag of Twisties. But there’s still hope. If you can tick off at least half of the below, then you know that your semester is off to a great start.

#1 You’ve Bought A Fresh Pack Of Highlighters

Nothing says ‘I’m an A+ student’ quite like a beautifully, colour-coordinated page. For those of us who use stationery as a procrastination tool, never fear, science actually proves that we’re onto something. Apparently colour recognition is the most important visual experience for humans and colours can play a significant role in motivating us to learn and profit from our educational experiences

#2 You’re Actually Taking Notes In Class

It’s week two of the semester and not only are you actually on time to class, but you’re productively taking notes. Go you. Obviously you can’t guarantee that this type of behaviour will continue, especially when it comes to those hangover-shrouded 8am tutes. But don’t worry, science can also explain that. Alternatively, know how to cure ’em and cure ’em good.

#3 You Can Afford Groceries

Hopefully over the break you’ve been thrifty with your money and saved up after working many a late-night hospo shift. Your bank account is finally back into the triple figures and it feels good. Treat yourself to something nice this week: a tub of ice cream, a haricut, Cleanskins instead of goon. Whatever takes your fancy, really.

#4 You’ve Already Mapped Out When Your Assessments Are Due

Gone are the days of last minute cramming and all-nighters (although they can actually work). You’re sick of using the excuse that you work better under pressure, because you know that’s not really true. You’ve organised your academic world and your social obligations meticulously so nothing overlaps. Hear that distant giggling? That’s future you, laughing at how ambitious you were six weeks earlier. Don’t listen to them. You can do it. Seriously.

#5 You’ve Realised There Are Bigger Fish

Face it. It’s just not going to happen. You took three weeks to get the courage to go up and introduce yourself to them (and you had to get quite drunk to do so). You added them on Facebook six months ago, but they still haven’t private messaged you. Just because they looked at you that one time in your sociology tute, doesn’t mean they want to marry you. It’s simple. There are just so, so many bigger fish. Go. Now.

#6 You’ve Befriended Google Scholar

It’s beyond your comprehension how you’ve been getting away with referencing material from Wikipedia thus far. But now it’s time to get serious and look into those real journal articles. Boring? Maybe. Worth it? Probably.

#7 You’ve Mastered The Bus Stop ‘Hey’

You don’t really know anyone in your classes and sometimes you feel like the only person on campus who hasn’t been invited to the ‘party of the week’. But it’s semester two, y’all, and you’re starting to make an impression. Keep it up, say hi back. Don’t sit at the bus stop with your eyes glued to your iPhone. Talk to the person next to you and maybe you’ll make your next BFF.

#8 You’re Not Hungover 24/7

Feel like you need to hook yourself up to a Gatorade and Panadol drip? It’s time to get your priorities straight, but kudos for having a good time. Hopefully you got most of your partying out of your system during semester break and now you’re back ready to tackle anything. Hear chanting? Lock your door and don’t venture out for a few hours.

#9 You’re Waking Up Before Noon (Without An Alarm)

Yeah, I know. This is hard. We love our sleep and the idea of rising with the sun is actually pretty unbearable most of the time. But trust me, the feeling of getting all your boring shit done before lunch is like no other. Give it a try, just once, and see how much better you feel. Plus, I hear the sunrise is something we should all see at least once.

#10 You’ve Stopped Using The Internet To Procrastinate

Unfortunately if you’ve come this far with this article, you probably can’t tick this one off the list. If I’m currently aiding anyone procrastinate on the interwebs, I’m sorry. You should probably get back to it now. But because I care, here’s a cat. You’re welcome.