It's that time of year again. Students all around the United Staes have officially returned to school, whether it is back to college, grad school, high school or any other form of school there is out there.
If you're like me it's safe to say that you have probably struggled a little bit in jumping back into it (although, I only have classes two days a week this semester).
So, whatever stage in your school life you are, it's time to face facts. Winter break is over and it's time to get back to work.
Establish routine
Seriously, it's that easy. I mean your class schedule in some ways already does that for you.
Get back to campus a few days before classes are supposed to start
For example, if classes start on a Wednesday, try maybe going back that Monday, especially if you live in a completely different city/state. This will help you mentally prepare because it will tell your internal clock that its time to get to work soon.
Have everything laid out ready the night before
Not only will it make things easier in the morning but you won't have to rush getting ready.
If you can, pick up all books and supplies needed for your classes
I know that sometimes this might not be the best idea, because maybe your professor changes the book requirement (or says that you don't even need the book), but hey at least you have what you potentially need and can avoid any embarrassing unpreparedness. Going along with that there are several ways (such as Chegg) that are often cheaper online options for getting textbooks than your local bookstore and shipping takes only about 3-5 days.
Meal prep
Meal prepping has several benefits for a person who has a busy week ahead of them. For one, they won't have to eat out as much (just think of the money saved) and second all you have to do is pop it in the microwave. If you live in a dorm, then this really is a pretty good option.
Plan ahead
If your professor has already posted their syllabus, maybe try working on the week's assignments that way, not only are you ahead, but you know a little bit about the classes your taking. This also could just mean you're waking up (and staying awake) at the time you need to in order to get to your first class on time.
Set some goals
Make a list of what you want to achieve this term. It can literally be anything, maybe it's better grades and a higher GPA or maybe it's becoming fitter and how to go about doing that.
Form a study group
This is an especially good idea if you already know a few people that are going to be in your classes.
Figure out where classes are (if you have access and don't already know)
This can help ease some of that first-day anxiety and give you a clear mind of where you're going and how long it will take you to get there especially if they aren't all in the same building.
Start eating breakfast again
Ok, so I know I'm probably the LAST person to be saying this (because I don't really do breakfast) but eating breakfast can really help when it comes to routines.
Binge watch as many of your favorite shows as you can before you become busy
Because let's face it, once that schoolwork starts piling up, there's not much of a chance that you'll have time for guilty pleasures.
Figure out your job (or internship) for the coming summer
This could also include how you are going to go about getting said job or internship and then going ahead and applying.
Give yourself time
You've been out of practice for at least two weeks, so the most important thing you can do is give yourself a little bit of time (and a break) to get back into it, but don't worry because you will eventually (even if it takes a week or two).
