An anon recently asked for some back to school tips, so I thought I’d give a few for both high school and college.

For high school & college:

• Need new stuff? Have you checked your backpack? Is it falling apart? Make sure your most basic needs are covered.
• Be certain you have the right supplies for each class, such as a folder and a notebook for each.
• Of course, make sure you have pencils, pens, paperclips, tape, post-it’s, index cards, and anything else you might need.
• Prepare your workspace! Clean out your desk and make sure everything has a designated space. Clear away clutter. A cluttered desk makes for a cluttered mind.
• Freshen your wardrobe! If you have the extra cash, use some to buy yourself new clothes and shoes. It’ll definitely get you in the back-to-school spirit.
• Did you do your work for over the summer? Please do not wait until the last week/day/night to do this. Try to enjoy the rest of your break!
• Do you have a reading list for the upcoming year/semester? If so and if you have the time, get a head start on your reading before you start getting busy.
• Get a planner or a bullet journal! Set it up and fill out as much as you can: important dates, big projects, etc.
• When picking a seat on the first day, sit at the front of the classroom. You’ll be free from distractions, be able to hear & see better, and more likely than not your questions will be answered.
• Start organized, stay organized. Keep all your handouts in separate folders or binders. Use a color coded system: match your folder/binder to your notebook for a particular class.
• Get on a good sleep schedule. Gradually start going to bed earlier and waking up earlier. It takes two weeks to establish a new sleep schedule.

For college:

• Make sure you have everything you need to furnish your dorm or apartment!
  
• Stock up on some healthy study snacks.
• Look at a map of your campus and learn the routes you will have to take to get to your classes. You don’t want to be late on the first day!
• Get your books early to err on the side of caution. Professors are very unsympathetic to, “I didn’t do my reading because I didn’t have the book.” Figure out how much you’ll use your books and/or if you can effectively share, and sell your books back as soon as you can.

Best of luck to everyone as you get ready to head back to school!