It is important to develop the habit of using your journal even when you are not in an academic environment. Good ideas and questions don't always wait for convenient times for you to record them. Title each entry. Your entries are to focus on what happens to you and how you feel about the events. Focus on events.
Events can be classes, encounters with friends, roommates, teachers, or parents.
The main idea is to keep track of events as they unfold this semester. Be sure to include discussions of your reactions to Western. You should write however you feel like writing. The point is to think on paper without worrying about spelling, punctuation, or grammar. The quantity of what you write is as important as the quality.