By: Della Lin
It wasn’t that long ago when school finally ended and summer was upon us. The last day of school felt like it was yesterday and summer probably went by like a breeze, whether you went on a vacation or just stayed home. Now, September has finally arrived, and that only means one thing… going back to school! Adjusting to the new school schedule can be difficult, especially this year. All you want to do is sleep in until 12 pm. or binge-watch Netflix shows all day. Sadly, there will no longer be any of that. Instead, we now have to go back to waking up at 6 o’clock in the morning and having tests to study for. However, just by doing some simple tasks, transitioning from a summer state of mind to a fall one can be much easier. So, here are some very beneficial tips to help you start off the new school year on the right foot.
My first piece of advice is to set both personal and academic goals for the upcoming year. The best way is to write them down on paper because you feel more motivated and focused on what you want to accomplish. I personally think that this will be a great way for you to see your growth throughout the entire year. However, make sure that your goals are measurable and achievable. If they are in any way unrealistic, you could potentially start to feel overwhelmed or disappointed in yourself.
My second piece of advice is to up your organization game. I like to think that the beginning of a new school year means a new start, so I would recommend cleaning out your room, closet, backpack, etc.. Dedicate a day to going through your entire room and decluttering it, whether that means throwing away any junk or donating items that are no longer needed. By having a nice, neat room or workspace, you will feel less stressed and way less distracted. Therefore, every time you’re doing homework or studying, you will be more efficient and your attention span will improve.
Now, there’s always a possibility that you forget a due date or a test date. Therefore, the most effective way to help you stay organized is to write down to-do lists, and there are a few ways you can do that. You can either make one on your phone by downloading an app, write it in a planner, or just simply write it down on post-it notes. Whichever way you decide, make sure that it works for you. Now, let’s say a teacher gives an assignment or project that is due weeks away or a test date is announced a week ahead of time. The best way to tackle this is to take initiative and start early. Whether you simply start reviewing your notes or just start doing a little bit of the assignment each day, you will be much more efficient and feel way less stressed when it comes to a due date or a test day. Completing assignments on time and studying for exams are just some of the keys to success.
Going to bed at a reasonable time is probably going to be the most important and helpful piece of advice. Not getting enough sleep can make you very cranky and irritable, which could make you less productive throughout the day. Additionally, you may find it harder to pay attention during class or stay focused. I would suggest getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, so you will wake up every morning feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
My last tip for you is to create your own daily routine. This means setting designated time slots for when you are going to start your schoolwork, when you are going to relax, etc.. Not only will this help provide a structure for your day, but it will also reduce procrastination. Now, just make sure that you stick to this schedule. Your days will be more efficient, and you’ll feel much more productive throughout the day.
The beginning of a new academic year can feel intimidating at times, but if you follow some of these tips, I can guarantee that you will be able to start off strong and have a super successful school year!
