In a couple of weeks summer will be ending, which can only mean that back to school is rapidly approaching.
*cues dramatic music*
Maybe some poor souls have already started school and if that's you, well, at least you have the satisfaction of ending the school year earlier than the rest of us. There’s the silver lining. In any case, I am not ready for the school year. It’ll be my last semester in college and despite having experienced numerous back-to-schools, I have yet to ever be fully prepared. And since I’ll be graduating soon, I suppose I will never be fully prepared. Shame.
I’m not a good example. So, in an attempt to make you better prepared for school (or at least, for the end of vacation) than I will be, here’s a list of things to do before you have the dreaded first day of school.
1. Plan one more event with your friends! This is especially important if you're going to a different school than them.
Maybe you can all go out and play ‘Pokemon GO.’ Go forth and conquer all the gyms.
2. Start easing yourself back onto a regular sleep schedule
I don’t know about you, but I stay up horrifically late when I’m on vacation. Actually, I stay up horrifically late even when I’m in school. Well, you can at least start off your school year with a decent amount of sleep.
3. Check what school supplies you have/buy your school supplies.
Yes, I know that for some schools, you don’t know what you need until the first day. Just buy the basics, if that’s the case. Remember, stores are having back-to-school sales!
4. Plan a first day outfit.
If you’re someone who worries about making a good first impression, then lessen your stress by planning an outfit or two in advance.
5. If you’re going off to college for the first time, make sure you have everything.
Click here for a list. Don’t wait until the last minute because there are a lot of little items you’ll probably forget you need until you get there.
6. If you’re returning to college, make sure you still have everything.
Somehow, during the summer, my stuff seems to move and when it comes time to pack again, I’m left wondering where on Earth my stuff has disappeared to.
7. Clean off a place for you to do homework.
Also, as a general rule, you should stock up on coffee.
8. Pack your backpack/bag the day before the first day.
Trust me, it’ll be a relief to just have to grab it and go.
9. If you have summer homework, you should probably finish that.
I took honors and AP classes in high school. I know what it’s like to have homework over the summer and it sucks, but you should definitely finish it ASAP.
10. If you’re new to a school (and within easy driving distance), check out your new school.
I have a terrible sense of direction. My college campus is super small but I’m pretty sure during my first day there, I still managed to get lost. If you can, check out your school and the classrooms you’ll be in.
11. Develop some schedule/resolutions for the year.
Yes, this sounds boring, but trust me: time management is important. It’s also good to have goals to work toward. Maybe you want to audition for section leader? Or maybe you want to finish your homework before midnight? Whatever it is, set it as a goal for yourself.
12. Lastly, cry.
I don’t care if it’s out of happiness for the beginning of the school year or because you're mourning the end of summer. It's just an emotional time for all of us. Let those tears roll.
