10 Tips for Heading Back to School (Student Edition)

Hi everyone! It's that time of the year again: a new school semester and year. I thought I'd get these posts out early because this time of year can be tough. Hopefully, these 3 posts from August 7 (today) to August 9 will help out.

Here are 10 tips for heading back to school, student edition.

Tip 1: Set up and organize everything before you start class.

Having everything - your desk, notebooks, folders, and everything else you have for school - set up and organized before your semester starts is a great way to start the semester. This way, you know where everything is, and you know what each item is for which class. If you're semester/year has already begun, get everything set up ASAP.

Tip 2: Have one place in your room/home where school-related items go.

Whether it's notebooks, paper, folders, or anything else that's related to school, having one place for these items can help you out. Sticking anything school-related in one place consistently will help you find them quickly for when you need them. It'll also help you avoid the anxious search for that one item you need for that one class.

Tip 3: Know how you'll take notes, work on assignments, study, and so on.

Knowing ahead of time how you'll take notes, work on assignments, and study can help you simply get into doing these things once your semester begins. Having consistent note-taking habits, assignment habits, and study habits from the beginning of the semester will make it easier for you to study and succeed in your classes.

Tip 4: Have set times when you'll work on school-related items, like studying or specific assignments.

This will help you out so much through your school semester and year. Setting a time (and place) for when you study and work on your school assignments can help you get them done in a timely fashion and before their due date.

Tip 5: If you live with family, don't be afraid to set boundaries for your learning.

This may seem a bit harsh to do with your family. Saying things like "I don't want to be disturbed from Time X to Time Y" or "I'm in (my Zoom) class, so please don't disturb me until Time Z." With Zoom classes, it can make you feel worse about denying family help when you are home. However, you need to make sure that you are doing your best to succeed in your class, no matter how it's taking place. Setting boundaries with your family will help.

Tip 6: Begin working on assignments as early as you can.

Not all assignments can be started early. However, if it's possible, start working on assignments as early as possible. Start studying/reviewing your notes from the get-go. This way, you're on top of all of your work, and you're not stressing at the last minute to finish a 5+ page assignment.

Tip 7: Review your notes regularly.

I mentioned this in Tip 6, but I felt like it needed its own tip. Reviewing your notes regularly - at least weekly, if not daily - will help your studying in the long run. Reviewing your notes will help you remember, and you're not studying for 5+ hours the day before (or even of) your test.

Tip 8: Make it a habit to try to arrive to your class and classroom 10-15 minutes before class begins.

If you have in-person classes, I would suggest getting to your classroom 10-15 minutes beforehand. This way, you have time to set up your notes (open your computer, notebook, get pens, etc.), and you also have time to make a quick bathroom trip if needed. If your classes are online, then I'd suggest tuning in 5-10 minutes beforehand for similar reasons. However, since it's online, it'll be quicker for you to set up.

Tip 9: Do not be afraid to reach out to your teacher/professor.

I feel like reaching out to the teacher/professor is something that a lot of people are nervous about. While the nerves around this make sense, your teacher/professor is your best friend when it comes to your class. They want you to succeed, and they want to give you the best grade. However, if you're not putting in the work and effort, your teacher/professor won't be able to give you that grade. If you're struggling in class, reach out to your teacher/professor as soon as possible so that they know you're trying to put in that effort.

Tip 10: Set up flashcards, one saying "In Class" and the other saying "Working/Studying."

This was something I began in the Spring 2021 semester, and it was so useful. I live with family, so having my room's door closed with a flashcard saying "In Class" or "Working/Studying" helped my family know if I was in class or working on school assignments. With online classes, this was super helpful because then they'd know when it was okay to check on me or talk to me.