5 Tips to Mentally Prepare for the New School Year
The first few weeks of the new school year can be daunting and nerve-wracking. After two months without a steady stream of work and a strict routine, getting back into the swing of things can be challenging.
You’ve spent the entire summer relaxing, catching up with yourself, hanging out with friends and family, working, and everything else in between! It’s hard to get yourself back into the swing of not only waking up early for school but having to be attentive and actively listening for a 5-day string of learning.
There’s no surprise that students may have an “I just don’t feel like it” approach to a new school year.
A way to seamlessly adjust to this new schedule is by making sure you are prepared for the school year. Not only will that keep you on task, but it will make you more confident about returning back to school.
Here are a few ways to mentally prepare for the upcoming year and conquer the first month of school with a new attitude!
1. Create a positive mindset
I know returning back to school is not something to look forward to for most. But I promise, being in a good headspace before returning makes the transition far easier. To get into a good mindset try to look at the positives of being back in school.
For example, being around your friends or taking a new class can make you feel bit better. Entering with a positive mindset leads to success as it gives you motivation to do well and puts you in a headspace most willing to thrive.
Back-to-school time can be scary, I know I definitely get nervous at times. Hopefully these tips can help you prepare for the school year and ease some of the nerves you may have. The most important thing I like to remember before the school year begins is that this is a new year and everything else is left in the past.
2. Get organized for back-to-school
Does your desk look like a mess right now? Mine definitely does. Organizing your desk or backpack can be a good way to prepare for the school year. The last thing someone wants is to get home about to study for a big test, and you see your desk scattered with paper and other supplies.
Cleaning your desk also feels like a new start, something most look forward to with the start of the school year. The mess you might have made last year is gone, and now you are left with a blank slate.
3. Create a good study schedule
Once the school year begins you no will no longer be able to wake up at noon and sleep as late as you want. The hardest part for me about returning to school is adapting to that new schedule that school entails.
Therefore, I recommend creating a schedule for school days. This schedule can include when you wake up, when you plan to study for each class, and when you go to bed. Even if it is very brief breakdown of the day, it can help you remain on task. To better adapt to the school year, I suggest trying the schedule for the first few days before school begins.
For example, if you plan to wake up at 7:00 and sleep at 11:00 try that out and see if you feel well rested. If you don’t try and adjust that plan to what feels best. Sticking to this schedule, especially for the first month of school, creates consistency and allows you to transition more seamlessly into the school year.
4. Make sure your summer homework is done
Summer homework can be the most annoying part of summer. It should be a time free from school but instead many teachers decide to assign work for the upcoming year. While you may want to push this work off as long as possible, it is important to not do it too late.
For one, these assignments can be long so breaking in down in sections can be easiest. Also, it gives you time to ask your friends questions if they may have the same assignments. Doing your summer work will prepare you for your upcoming classes and raise your confidence in the material you will be learning.
5. Make sure you have all your supplies
One of my favorite things to do is go back-to-school shopping. I love choosing new folders, markers, and highlighters to prepare for the school year. Typically, your school will send you a list of supplies you may need.
However, if they don’t, I recommend restocking on some essentials (pencils, notebooks, etc) and waiting till the first day of school if your teachers need you to have other supplies. Back-to-school shopping is a great way to get excited for the school year. It makes you excited to use your new school supplies and it can feel like a fresh start with new supplies.
Additional Resources for the New School Year
Starting a new school year can feel intimidating and overwhelming, but the tips above can help you start the new year with confidence! Ready for other tips that will help you take control of your new school year? Keep reading!