1. Set goals

Before you begin the new year, you should set some goals to work towards over the course of the year. Try to set goals that you can realistically achieve and consider what you can improve on from the previous year. You might want to achieve a certain grade, get better at completing work on time, organise work experience or make more of an effort to make new friends.

2. Prepare mentally

Starting a new academic year means that stress is coming back and it's not going to leave any time soon. I feel that we all know what is going to come for us this year but do we really actually sit and try to mentally prepare ourselves for it? Stare at your schedule and try to get into that grind mentality to decrease the shock of the stress during the year.

3. Plan it all out

That planner you bought? It is not for show. Fill in the study schedule that you want to stick to. Be sure to find and note down important dates, like assessments due, exams or holidays. Don't forget to also make space on your timetable for 'downtime', relaxation and fun stuff, too.

4. Make a daily schedule

This is something that has made me feel more prepared than anything on this list. Being able to visualize and see what each day of the week is going to look like and trying to prepare for it is something that has made my stress and anxiety lessen.

5. Make sure you have the supplies you need

The new academic year is the perfect excuse for stationery nerds to re-stock on all those highlighters, notebooks and desk accessories that are, obviously, essential for good study sessions. Even if you don't particularly care whether your post-its match your highlighters, it can be a good opportunity to get a new diary/planner, or source the textbooks, apps or gadgets you'll need.

Get your supplies ready in advance so that you will have a chance to double-check that you have everything. Make sure that your bag is large enough to carry the items that you will need daily. Use the sections of your backpack or organizational supplies to make all of your supplies easily accessible.

6. Complete the administrative tasks

While most students avoid going back to campus until they have to, organizing administrative matters (such as student and public transport concession cards) ahead of time will help you beat the long queues in week one.

Arranging your textbooks and course materials during the holidays also allows you time to source second-hand books or scope out prices online. If you have access to subject guides, you can start noting down assessment due dates and planning for busy periods in advance.

7. Think about the new extracurriculars you want to join (and the old ones you want to continue)

The holidays are a good time to start thinking about how you can build your skills outside of the classroom — before assessments start to pile up and your free time becomes an issue. You may decide to research potential internship and volunteering opportunities or ways to get involved on campus. Also consider refreshing your résumé, adding any skills or experience you've gained since the last update.