The beginning of a new school year can be hard to deal with no matter what grade you're going into. One thing I deal with as someone with an unusual name is the first couple days of class, the teacher or professor will mispronounce my name. For my other girls and guys with funky names, it's much better to politely correct said person to ensure they don't mispronounce your name forever (I'm not kidding; one time a teacher called me "Suzuki" for an entire year because I didn't correct her. Don't be Suzuki.). As an introvert, I struggle with the beginning of the year because I'm not much of a talker in front of people I don't know. So, as someone who struggles with the beginning of the year, here are a few things I do to start off strong.

1. Make sure you have the supplies you need for each class ready the night before.

I can't stress this enough -- although it seems simple, taking the two minutes to get everything together the night before makes all the difference. Especially if you know you're someone who tends to put things off until the last possible second (cough cough me), getting into this habit will make your life so much easier.

2. Get to know at least one person in all of your classes.

I don't mean be all "buddy-buddy" with them (unless you want to); just get to know them well enough to ask them questions and text them when you need a study partner. This not only helps you feel more comfortable in the class but helps you make new friends as well!

3. Go to office hours.

I know everyone says this, but it seriously can help you so much. If you start going to office hours early in the semester, it will not only help you know the material better but it will help the professor get to know you. When the professor gets to know you, they'll be more inclined to help you out because they know that you really do care about their class.

4. Keep a calendar (and update it every day).

KEEP. A. CALENDAR. It will seriously save your life. I use mine not only to mark tests or when things are due but to make checklists of things I need to do that day. This way, it is so much easier to keep track of the things you have to do and to stay on top of your work.

5. Take some time for yourself.

This is probably one of the most important tips out there with science to back it up. If we aren't taking time to recharge, whether it's through sleep or just chilling out, we are not capable of being our best selves. And when we aren't doing our best, we often don't get the results we want. Not to say that your "me time" should outweigh your school time, but many students forget that giving 115 percent 24/7 isn't good for us. Set aside a few hours a week for downtime.

School is supposed to be a fun learning experience. Try not to let the stress of it take away from the experience; after all, you are there to learn and if you're constantly stressed, it will be harder for you to do what you're there for. Do your best and be yourself. That's all anyone can really ask of you.