Wow, can you believe summer is almost over?

The end of summer brings both excitement about seeing your old friends again and nostalgia over losing your months of free time that you cherished. It’s hard to get into the swing of things again, but if you get off to a good start, you can guarantee yourself an easier time.

1. Supplies
   Did your school send you a supply list? If so, buy all the items on that supply list, and don’t deviate from what your school sent you. Your school put a lot of thought into what you need, so missing supplies will make the transition back into school much more difficult for you and your teachers. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.If your school didn’t send you a supplies list, make sure to get back to school with at least the basics that you know they want you to buy. Don’t go overboard, though, because you don’t want to waste money on things you don’t need.
   • Get a durable backpack, because a flimsy one will just tear by the third month.
   • If your school uses binders, buy yourself a nice, sturdy binder with enough paper to last you for the entire year, and pack that binder with enough paper to last you a couple of months. Be ready to restock throughout the year.
   • If your school uses notebooks, buying yourself two or three sturdy notebooks will help you a great deal. Make sure they are big enough to last you the year.
   • At least one folder for each class will come in handy.
   • A durable mini stapler with staples is always useful.
   • You know they will want you to buy pens and pencils. I recommend getting a dozen 0.5mm or 0.7mm #2 lead mechanical pencils. The mechanical pencils are more expensive per pencil than their wooden counterparts, but their durability will more than make up for the difference in cost.
   • A white or putty eraser is the weapon of choice against #2 pencils, especially since that tiny eraser that comes with your pencil will never last.
   • Also buy a dozen black and/or blue ink pens, not the super expensive ones, but not the cheap ones either. Bic brand makes some good pens. The finer the point, the better the pen. If you have the means, try to convince your parents to get you a few colored pens as well, just for fun, but don’t hand in work with them if the light color makes them tough to read or if your teachers don’t allow it.

 

2. Medical/Immunization Records
   Yep, that’s part of the back to school frenzy. It can be tough to get all that stuff located, but there is nothing worse than being kicked out of school one random day in the Fall just because you don’t have those immunization records updated. Do you need an elevator key? Do you have asthma or any other chronic condition? Was your summer so adventurous that you’re coming in on crutches? Your school needs to know that stuff as well so that they can be ready for you. Have your parents make a phone call to the school so they can give you a complete list of what they need.

 

3. Plan to get to your classes on time
   Mostly self-explanatory, right? Starting off on the right foot sets a trend for the rest of the year. Get yourself ready to be there 15 minutes early at least. If your school serves breakfast, what a great time to do some early morning socializing! Get to school early and schmooze! Be ready to make new friends, and when the time comes, be ready to work with a proactive attitude and a positive mindset.

 

4. First day prep
   Getting ready on that first day takes a bit of work. You have to be prepared to learn, but it’s also your first socializing event of the year. Be prepared for that as well:
   • Get your haircut or your hair done. It’s good to go to school ready to impress.
   • Dress appropriately but comfortably. Googling some outfit ideas beforehand can go a long way. Pick your outfit the night before so that you don’t have to think about it the same day.
   • Get yourself the tools of the trade: ChapStick® or other lip balm, makeup if you’re allowed, brush or comb, lotion, and sugar-free gum as long as you don’t stick it under the desk.
   • Shower, either the night before or the morning of the first day, and use deodorant. Don’t be the stinky one!
   • Eat breakfast, either at school or at home. The energy you get will keep you going.
   • Always do one last mirror check before you leave, and …

 

5. Give yourself a smile and a wink!
   A major research study showed that smiling to yourself in the mirror in the morning, whether you have a reason to smile or not, does a world of difference in elevating your mood, increasing your confidence, improving both your social abilities, and maximizing your willingness to enjoy the hard work that comes with school. So when you wake up and before you leave, give yourself a smile and a wink. You’ll have a better year 😉

Got any more tips and tricks? We want to hear them. Post your other tips, responses, or anything else you think is important in the comments below.