It's that time of year again: the beginning of the school year. With the three and a half months off, it's safe to say that most of us are probably still not quite in the right mindset to get back into school. I'm personally slowly easing back into things. As a naturally helpful person, I thought y'all might appreciate some tips that I've been using to help me get back into a more academic mindset.
1. Know your schedule.
This might sometimes be easier said than done, especially if you're shopping/auditing classes for the first few days of the semester that you may or may not end up taking. To the best of your abilities, make a conscious effort to know what classes you'll be attending before the first day of classes. This means more than just knowing you'll be off to English or Biology; it means knowing where your class is meeting and when. Not only will it make your life easier to figure out where and when you'll be in class, but it also makes it easier to find time to meet up with friends and to eat. Don't forget that making time to eat (even if it's just a quick bite between classes) is just as important as attending class. If you know where and when you'll be there, it relieves a lot of stress.
2. Spread out unpacking.
Let's be honest: unpacking is stressful, especially if you have limited time to do so before classes start. Spread out how you want to unpack. Start with the basics: bed sheets, pillows, and clothes. If you have no idea where any of these items are in boxes, look through all your boxes until you find what you need. As you start unpacking items, consolidate remaining items to reduce the number of boxes (and clutter) in your room. Decorations and such are not a high priority if you're pressed for time to get your room together. After you've unpacked the basics that you'll need to get through at least your first day, make a list of other things you'd like to unpack and go through it day by day.
3. Develop a better sleep schedule.
Sure, during summer, it's fine to sleep whenever, but when it comes time for classes, most students have a hard time readjusting their sleep schedule. No more waking up at 1 PM. I know it's hard to go to bed "early" but I've found it's been helpful to me to get to bed by midnight. I am able to get enough sleep to not be tired throughout the day and I keep my schedule consistent, even on weekends. This is especially helpful for students who need to travel from different time zones. Sleeping early and maintaining a good schedule helps you adjust your hours so you'll be back on track quickly. Prioritize your work and social life wisely to maximize your sleep schedule as much as possible.
4. Don't put off assignments at the beginning of the year.
This is honestly so much easier said than done, but it's always important to start the year off on a good note by keeping up with your homework and readings. You don't need to get ahead per se, but let's be honest, if you don't keep up with assignments, the chances of you actually catching up with them is very slim. I know for me, once I fall behind on assignments, I am not usually able to catch up. Keep up with your workload and try not to fall behind. Prioritize assignments and due dates to keep track of your workload and use your time efficiently and effectively.
5. Use a planner (or calendar app) to stay organized.
Going off of point #4, use a planner to keep yourself organized. If you don't like carrying a planner, use the calendar app on your phone to mark down important dates (exams, projects, essays, homework, etc.). For those of us who are very visual, it's nice to be able to physically see what and when things are due. It can help to reduce stress and can also help you map out a study schedule so you keep up with things. I personally find that having a planner makes my life much less stressful because I can keep track of everything from exams to birthdays to plans with friends. Keep track of important dates to start the year off on a relatively stress-free note!
I hope some of you find this article helpful and useful! Best of luck with the school year!