First Day of School: How to Be Successful Early On

The first few weeks of school can determine the entire school year. That’s why it’s essential to get off to a good start because it’s setting a precedent for the future months. Here are a few ways to make sure you start the year off right on the very first day of school to ensure you’ll have the most successful year possible.

1. Get to know your teachers

The biggest asset that most students overlook is their teachers. Creating a relationship with teachers not just makes the class easier, but it can also be someone to look at for support. You can do this by participating in class and asking questions. If you are confused, the first place you should turn to is your teacher. 

Most teachers offer extra help or are willing to schedule it, so I recommend taking advantage of this. Building this relationship allows you to more easily ask for help throughout the year as you are likely to build trust and an understanding between you.

Additionally, by building a relationship with your teachers, you can use them for teacher recommendations when applying to colleges. Strong relationships with teachers allow for genuine and impactful recommendations that can help you with the daunting application process.

2. Don’t procrastinate

I know the last thing you want to do after a long school day is more schoolwork. However, creating healthy study patterns is crucial, especially at the beginning of the year. I recommend setting times to do specific work. 

For example, plan to do your math homework at 4 pm and science at 6 pm. While assignments change every day, creating a basic schedule helps keep you on task so you aren’t staying awake at midnight trying to finish the assignments you put off.

It’s commonly said that it takes about 60 days to create a habit. So, by doing your work on time for the first two months, you create a healthy habit that can be easily carried throughout the year.

3. Find time for yourself

School days can get pretty hectic. The day can get very stressful with so many classes and potential after-school commitments. That’s why taking some time for yourself and doing something you enjoy can be paramount to your busy day. 

This could look like watching an episode of your favorite show or going for a walk. Try finding those things that simply ease your mind and calm your nerves. Even if this is only for 20 minutes, I find that taking that time to unwind and take a break from school helps my mental health and even prevents burnout. 

While it may seem counterintuitive, taking breaks keeps me more productive because when I return to the material, I’m more refreshed and ready to learn.

4. Participate in school activities

Participating in extracurricular/school activities is a great way to display your interests and try new things. I find that joining clubs or playing sports with my friends are fun activities that allow me to get my mind off of school and do things that I would not normally do. 

Participating in extracurricular activities is also important in the college application process to demonstrate your interests outside of school. For example, if you are interested in drawing, think of joining a club that focuses on art. 

Most clubs and many sports start in the beginning of the school year so it is important to get involved soon and display your commitment. 

5. Keep yourself organized

Keeping organized is one of the best ways to keep a positive mindset throughout the school year. No one likes to have a messy folder, overflowing with month old papers, or an untidy desk scattered with various books and papers. Not only does it look unappealing, but it makes you not want to do your schoolwork.

I recommend cleaning out your backpack, folders, and your desk often. This will prevent an over-piling of work and will motivate you to study. When I have a clean desk, I’m much more likely to study than when it is a mess. Being organized also helps you stay on task in school.

We all know that feeling of digging through your backpack to find that one homework assignment as the teacher is coming around to check it. But, if you keep organized, school can become less stressful and overwhelming because you know where all your materials are.

Final Thoughts on the First Day of School

I find that the first day (and even month) of school is one of the most important times. You create your study habits and set the precedent for what the school year will look like. That’s why it is important to create healthy habits that you will perform throughout the year. Hopefully some of these tips will help you have a more successful and enjoyable school year!

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