What to Do If You’re Struggling at the Start of a New Semester

(And Why It’s So Common)

If a new semester has started and things already feel harder than you expected, you’re not alone.

Many students assume a new semester is supposed to feel like a clean slate. New classes, new teachers, a fresh start. But for a lot of students, the beginning of a semester actually feels confusing, overwhelming, or discouraging, even if they did well before.

Struggling at the start of a new semester does not mean something is wrong. In many cases, it simply means they are adjusting to change.

Why Semester Transitions Are Hard for Students

Semester transitions ask students to adapt quickly, often before they’ve had time to fully process what has changed. Even small shifts can add up.

Some of the most common challenges include:

• New teachers with different expectations and teaching styles

• Changes in workload, pacing, or grading

• Increased independence and responsibility

• New routines, schedules, or study demands

• Pressure to “do better” than last semester

For students with learning differences or executive functioning challenges, these transitions can feel even heavier. Organization, time management, and planning skills are suddenly more important, and those skills take time to develop.

The result is often frustration, self-doubt, or feeling stuck before the semester has really begun.

The Reality: It’s About Strategy, Not Just Study Help

Here’s something no one really teaches you in college: studying is not one-size-fits-all.

Tutoring isn’t just about surviving a tough class. It’s about learning how you learn. Some people need visuals. Others need repetition. Some thrive with structure and accountability. Most of us need a mix of all three.

Our tutors work with University of Washington students on:

• Study skills and time management, because the quarter system moves fast

• Test prep that builds confidence instead of panic
  Accountability, especially when motivation dips around week seven

• Stress management, because yes, burnout is real…and coffee doesn’t fix it

Think of tutoring as your built-in strategy session. You’re not just reviewing content. You’re learning how to make your study time actually work for you.

Signs a Student Might Be Struggling

Struggling does not always show up as bad grades right away. Some common signs include:

• Avoiding schoolwork or procrastinating more than usual

• Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to start

• Increased frustration, shutdown, or emotional reactions

• Trouble keeping track of assignments or deadlines

• Saying things like “I don’t get it” or “I’m already behind”

These signals are not failures. They are cues that a student may need clarity, support, or a chance to slow down and regroup.

What to Do If the Semester Feels Hard

When things feel difficult early on, it’s tempting to push harder or try to change everything at once. A more effective approach is to focus on small, intentional adjustments.

Here are a few steps that can help.

Pause and Reflect

Instead of jumping straight into problem-solving, take a moment to reflect:

• What feels confusing or stressful right now?

• What felt manageable last semester?

• What is one thing that could make this feel easier?

Even naming the challenge can reduce overwhelm.

Clarify Expectations Early

Many students struggle because expectations are unclear. Writing down what each teacher expects for homework, tests, and participation can make a big difference. When expectations feel concrete, tasks become more manageable.

Adjust One Routine

Rather than overhauling everything, choose one routine to reset. This might be how assignments are tracked, when homework starts, or how materials are organized. Small changes are easier to maintain and often more effective.

Ask for Help Sooner

Waiting until frustration builds makes things harder. Asking for help early, whether from a teacher, parent, or tutor, helps students feel supported and prevents small challenges from becoming bigger ones.

Check In Weekly

A short weekly reflection can be more helpful than daily pressure. Questions like “What went well this week?” and “What felt hard?” encourage awareness without added stress.

How Tutoring Can Help During a Semester Transition

Tutoring during a semester transition is not just about catching up. It’s about helping students understand expectations, organize their work, and build confidence as demands shift.

At Liddane Tutoring & Learning Services, we work with students to:

• Break assignments into manageable steps

• Develop organization and planning strategies

• Clarify expectations and reduce confusion

• Build confidence and self-advocacy skills

• Adjust learning strategies to fit how each student learns

For many students, having a consistent, supportive space to process what’s changing can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling capable.

A Reminder for Students and Parents

Struggling at the start of a new semester does not mean the semester is going to be a failure. It often means a student is learning how to adapt to new expectations.

With patience, reflection, and the right support, students can move through transitions with confidence and build skills that last well beyond this semester.

If your student could benefit from support during this transition, Liddane Tutoring is here to help.

Why SBA Preparation Matters -Smarter Balanced Assessment Test Support.

The SBA is more than just a test—it’s an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of critical concepts and develop essential academic skills. By preparing effectively, students not only improve their test scores but also build a foundation for lifelong success. Our team focuses on guiding students on both academic mastery and the development of self-assurance, ensuring that each student feels ready to excel.

As we approach the SBA window, now is the perfect time to equip your child with the tools they need to succeed. Our dedicated team at Liddane Tutoring is here to provide the support and guidance your student deserves during this important period.

Invest in your student’s success by signing up for our SBA Preparation Sessions. Contact our office directly to reserve your spot. Let’s work together to turn potential into achievement and help your student shine during the SBA window!

We believe that every student has the potential to excel. With the right preparation and support, your child can confidently approach the upcoming SBA and set the stage for academic success. Join us as we empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their best.

We proudly offer these sessions to students in and around the greater Seattle area, as well as online for those who prefer the convenience of remote learning. This flexible approach ensures that every student, regardless of location, has access to high-quality test preparation support.

Standardized Testing Season- Here to Help!

As standardized testing season approaches, it's essential for students to focus on their preparation. These exams are critical for academic progression and can significantly influence future opportunities. Therefore, it's important to approach this period with dedication and a strategic plan.

At Liddane Tutoring, we understand the challenges that come with standardized testing. The pressure can be intense, and the preparation process can feel overwhelming. However, with the right support and resources, students can navigate this period effectively and achieve their best possible scores.

Our tutors at Liddane are experienced in helping students prepare for a variety of standardized tests. They provide personalized instruction tailored to each student's strengths and weaknesses. This individualized approach ensures that students focus on the areas where they need the most improvement, maximizing their study time and efforts. Liddane tutors understand that uncertainties around standardized testing can be particularly challenging for twice-exceptional (2E) students and those with learning disabilities. We provide expert guidance on navigating accommodations, such as extended time, to ensure each student can perform to their full potential.

One of the key advantages of working with a Liddane tutor is the targeted practice and feedback students receive. Our tutors use proven strategies and techniques to help students understand the test format, manage their time effectively, and approach each section with confidence. This focused preparation can make a significant difference in test performance.

Additionally, our tutors help students develop effective study plans and test-taking strategies. They provide guidance on how to tackle difficult questions, manage test anxiety, and stay motivated throughout the preparation process. With consistent effort and the right support, students can build the skills and confidence needed to excel on test day.

Now is the time to take action and commit to thorough test preparation. With the help of Liddane Tutoring, students can approach standardized tests with confidence.

How Much Tutoring Makes Sense for Your Child?

As the back-to-school season approaches, many families are considering how to best support their children's academic success. At Liddane, we understand that deciding whether to have tutoring sessions more than once a week can be a challenging decision. Here are some things to think about.
Start by evaluating your child's academic performance. Are grades generally improving over time? What are teachers saying in their comments? Engaging with teachers and school staff can provide valuable insights into your child's progress and areas that may need additional support. Consider how much time you, as parents, are dedicating to homework completion. Would one day of tutoring provide enough relief, or would two or more days be more beneficial? This can help determine the level of support your child needs. Reflect on the initial reasons for seeking tutoring. Has your child shown sufficient growth in the targeted skills? Understanding the goals for tutoring can help decide the frequency of sessions needed to achieve these objectives. If your child is transitioning from elementary to middle school or from middle to high school, remember that the workload and requirements will increase. Preparing for these changes with additional tutoring sessions can be advantageous. Imagine the demands of the school year in full swing. Is your child showing signs of being capable, willing, and ready to handle these challenges? This foresight can guide your decision on the frequency of tutoring sessions.
One day of tutoring a week is likely suitable for students achieving Bs or higher who want to improve specific skills, students managing homework well but needing weekly check-ins for big projects or test and is ideal for basic organizational check-ins and supplementing education for higher-functioning students.
Two or more tutoring sessions a week is recommended for struggling students with consistently low grades or negative teacher comments, and for families unable to monitor homework regularly. If your student has significant difficulties in tracking assignments or dealing with procrastination, starting the year off with more tutor hours will pay good dividends. The same goes for students with deficits in reading comprehension and writing skills that require immediate and consistent attention.
By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that best supports your child's academic journey. We’re here to help you navigate these choices and provide the support your child needs to succeed. Reach out.