July has arrived faster than we all expected... that means less than 2 months before we're back and running at our respective schools. The beginning of the year is always the most important; this is where you want to start strong in hopes of balancing your school work and extracurriculars. Here's a reminder of the habits you need to keep in mind before going back to school!
1. Keep a planner
Keeping a planner saved my life. I have never felt more organized in my life until I got an agenda and wrote down EVERYTHING I had to do that day. Lunch with a friend? Start studying for a test? Write all that down. As soon as a date or time is said to you, take it down. There is nothing worse than missing out on an appointment or meeting because you forgot about it because you didn't write it down! Find your groove whether it be a physical planner or one in your phone!
2. Study way before a test/don't procrastinate
Unfortunately studying a day or two before a test is just not going to cut it. Sometimes I'd study a week or two in advance (or try to) because there is SO much information that you really cannot learn it all in one day. I know people who have waited until the day before and often say "I should've started studying earlier" !!! Don't be filled with regrets. Just start studying little by little in advance.
3. Take neat and organized notes
Nothing is more helpful when you study than when you can actually understand your notes. Whether you like the handwrite your notes or type them (which I prefer), make sure your notes actually make sense. I love typing my notes because I can organize my information into sections and can then color code and organize with more ease. And then when I want to start studying, I'll go back and rewrite everything that I typed up! Whatever your cup of tea is, make sure you do it right.
4. Form a study group
One of my favorite things to do is to study with other people, but you have to make sure they're the right people to study with. If you're studying with friends and constantly getting sidetracked and talking too much about off topic things, chances are that you need to find new people to study with. It's not you, it's me. "I want to be friends with you obviously but I seriously cannot study and focus when I'm with you." Find the people that you focus well with the most, of course everyone is going to get sidetracked every now and then but it's how long it takes you to get back and track and continue studying that matters. This also leaves room for you to learn more ways to study and opportunities to teach the material to each other which in turn will give you a deeper understanding of the course.
5. Do your laundry frequently
Now, away from all the school based habits and onto the life ones. Doing your laundry frequently is so important because you don't want to wait a month (which I did a lot) and then have a huge load of clothes you need to wash and put up. Doing laundry sucks, but do it often and maybe it'll suck a little less.
6. Learn to relax every now and then
Obviously, education is important, but it doesn't mean you can't kick back every now and then to just relax and chill with your friends. Studying on the weekend is admirable and all, but really, take a day to sleep in and do nothing all day. That one day can affect your whole mindset for the week!