I know, August just began. No one wants to think about going back to school. However, the reality is that the start of the Fall Semester for many schools is only a few weeks away. As annoying as it is to think about, it's time to start preparing to go back to school.
You've probably heard the proverb a thousand times, but luck really does favor the well-prepared. And going back to school is no exception. As someone who dreaded going back to school myself, here are a few helpful tips to help make that transition back to the classroom less painful.
1. Get back into your sleeping routine.
Adjusting your sleep schedule is probably the most straightforward and easiest step to take. For the typical college student, summer can be filled with long days and late nights. This can mean developing an unsustainable sleeping pattern. Instead of losing time the first month back at school adjusting to your new schedule, gradually start getting in and out of bed at more practical times. Your body and mind will thank you later.
2. Check your finances.
If you were like me in college, you spend the summer working full time to save money and work part-time during the school year to keep your savings afloat. With most of your funds made in just three months, you need to stretch that out over the rest of the year. Especially with rising tuition prices and unforeseen expenses, it's a good idea to have checkpoints in place so you know where to be financially at the end of each quarter or semester. Use a budgeting app like Mint to track your expenses and stay on budget.
3. Brush up on any forgotten skills.
Depending on your major, certain skills and information are vital to classes you are taking the next semester. However, if you go cold turkey and spend three months playing video games and going to the beach every day, it is very easy to forget all you learned. While you have free time during the summer, brush up on your skills and look at old tests so you don't have to spend even more time relearning during the year.
4. Find the best route to school.
I know this might sound simple, but knowing the best way to get from your house to school can save you a ton of time and money. Are you taking the bus, carpooling or walking? As a commuter, do some research on the most dangerous routes to avoid in your area and find something that is both safe and efficient. Shaving valuable minutes and dollars off of your commute, especially if you are doing it multiple times a week, can lead to big savings. As once a poor college student, we can all respect that.
5. Use a planner.
Prior to being in college, I would have said that I didn't need a planner and could keep everything straight from memory. However, a few months into my first year, I realized this was not the case. Whether it's a traditional paper planner or the calendar on your phone, have a secondary place to store your thoughts and activities. Not only will this allow you to budget your time, it will prevent you from being that friend who must cancel last minute because an obligation slipped your mind.
Let's face it, no one likes going back to school. But that doesn't mean you have to be unprepared when it inevitably happens. Whether you are heading into your first year or your last, each year matters. If you don't take the time to set yourself up for success, you can very easily fall behind. Follow these tips and hopefully, you will transition effortlessly back into that first week of classes!
