With school back in full swing, it can be difficult for students to keep up the back-to-school motivation. 

Simple strategies can help keep students engaged on-campus and in their studies, contributing to staying in a constant state of motivation.

Here are four ways to keep up the academic mindset while bringing a unique twist to students’ schedules.

Explore Study Options with a Counselor

Most students are aware that visiting an academic advisor to kick off the year can be a game-changer. It’s a chance for students to ensure they are on the right path academically and make the most of their college experience, as well as gain familiarity with all the programs and opportunities in their major. 

But meeting with an advisor might provide more opportunities than just a major roadmap.

College is a milestone for many and making the most of students’ experience can also start from studying abroad or domestic study experiences. Visiting a counselor can be informational on enrollment on these opportunities, giving students the chance to be excited and learn through different programs found on the Study Abroad & Global Engagement portal.

U.S.-based internships, like D.C. scholars or conferences held across state lines, can be unique ways for students to shake up their studies while helping them build their resume.

These meetings allow students to ease their mind because they know they are on track to graduate, while bringing in a fun twist to their studies and helping them maintain motivation in their studies.

Secret Spots in the Titan Student Union

Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Student Union offers the center of campus life. It serves as the primary gathering and meeting place for the university community, offering various spaces such as study spots, student art galleries and an engaging Titan Bowl and Billiards. A food court, ATM banking and discount ticket sales are also present for student use. 

Amid a day of academics, the TSU also presents an opportunity for relaxation and a change of scenery, even offering outdoor comfortable seating. 

While most students are familiar with the food courts and study spaces, they should head downstairs to hangout in the pub – a cozy atmosphere tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the main campus without leaving the premises.

Downstairs, students can relieve their stress with an arcade, bowling alley and pool tables. These activities help engage with other students to have a change of environment instead of going through academic settings alone. They can get up and moveing rather than sitting at a desk or staring at a computer for long periods of time.

Check Out Unique Study Spaces Near Campus 

For students seeking a change of scenery from the usual campus spots, local areas offer an alternative for completing assignments, meeting with friends or just taking a breather. These off-campus locales provide a relaxed atmosphere, which can spur creativity and reduce stress.

Less than 15 minutes away from campus is a unique study spot that fantasy-lovers and aesthetic-appreciators will enjoy. Requiem Cafe is an immersive coffee shop in Anaheim, with an immersive, magical and science fiction theme, perfect for a change of scenery from CSUF’s campus.

Additionally, another study space is the Arboretum located on campus. Students that are passionate about the environment and love to be outdoors can study on the benches that are scattered throughout the 25 acres of land, while receiving a breath of the fresh outdoor air. 

On the horizon, Fullerton’s upcoming 9 Lives 4 Mew cat café promises to be a unique haven, combining the calming presence of cats with a café setting. The benefits of interacting with animals make the cat café a key destination for students looking to unwind during productivity, while addressing the need for comforting spaces that cater to students’ well-being, an essential element for academic success. 

Work Out Stress by Taking Up an Athletic Endeavor

Preparing for academic life means addressing both mental and physical well-being, with CSUF offering its own options to students at the Student Recreation Center. 

Reformer Pilates is student wellness at its peak, a brand new fitness class offered at SRC. Each session brings together 10 to 20 students, starting with light, intentional stretches before evolving into a full-body challenge. 

The SRC also offers a free 30-foot rock climbing wall with educational classes, and the climbing wall also offers adventurous outdoor trips. The trips are led by student staff and are a life changing experience that includes transportation, equipment, trip leaders and recreation fees.

Not too far from campus, Fullerton’s newly opened Union Pacific Trail provides a safe and peaceful walk between parks in Fullerton, letting students unwind and take in the natural scenery the city has to offer.

For those looking for a higher intensity workout, students can also keep an eye out for local marathons, like the annual Anaheim Ducks 5k marathon and the Fullerton Fit 5k, held in the summer. 

Keeping physically active alleviates stress, boosts energy and improves concentration, allowing students to feel refreshed and motivated to keep their workflow rolling.

Associate Managing Editor Michelle King contributed to this story.